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SAMUEL H. GIE5Y. 

A LITURGY, 



OR 



ORDER OF WORSHIP 



FOR THE 



aa*. qjL .<S 

REFORMED CHURCH, 



CINCINNATI: 
T » P. BUCHER, PUBLISHER, 
1 8 6 9. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1869, by 
T. P. BUCHER, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the 
Southern District of Ohio. 



In exch 
t>. of 0. Pui,. J 

oa 7 i^oe 



LETTER PRESS. 
ELM ST. PRINTING CO., CINCINNATI. 



THIS work has been prepared in conformity with the instruc- 
tions of the District Synods of Ohio and of the Xorthwest, 
under the sanction of the General Synod of the Reformed Church in 
North America, and is designed to be, in the old Reformed sense, a 
directory and guide for the proper and orderly conduct of the public 
worship of God. The Committee, in discharging the important duty 
assigned them, have endeavored faithfully to follow the expressed 
will and desire of their Synods, in making the book, that is now 
offered to the Church, harmonize, as far as possible, with her doc- 
trinal standard and spirit of devotion, in their true historical sense. 
Hence whilst the liturgical formularies, used by our fathers, have 
been reproduced and changed, so as to adapt them more fully to 
the present wants and altered circumstances of our congregations, 
great care has been taken to preserve their true spirit and life. And 

although full forms are furnished for the regular worship of the sanc- 
• t 

tuary, and for all special occasions, and several for such parts thereof 
as are most frequently used, yet it is not intended that these shall 
be of binding force, either as a whole or in part, to the exclusion 
of free devotional services ; but that Pastors may here find a help 
and guide to the proper and spiritual discharge of their duty. 

The book has indeed been prepared, as will be seen by a 
careful examination, so as in no way to interfere with free, or 
extemporaneous prayer ; but rather to improve, regulate and pro- 
mote it, according to the nature of Christian worship, the example 
of the Apostolic congregations, the practice and wishes of the Fath- 
ers of the Reformation age, and the obvious preference of the great 
body of our people at the present day. 

(iii) 



iv 



PREFACE. 



Trusting and hoping that this book, the fruit of much toil and 
prayer, may be the means of comforting and confirming in our most 
holy faith, those for whom it is specially prepared, that it may pro- 
mote and foster a spirit of devotion among us, and secure greater 
uniformity in our worship, we lay it at the feet of our divine Lord 
and Master, to whom be all honor and praise forever. 



G. W. Williaro, 
J. H. Good, 
T. P. Bucher, 



1 



Committee of 
The Synod of Ohio and 
Adjacent States. 



I. H. Rejter 



J 



J. H. Klein, 
Eli Keller, 
Max Sterx, 
P. Gredixg, 



) 




Committee of 



htjshts. 



I. Calendar of the Festivals vi 

II. Table of Scripture Lessons for the Church Year vii 

III. Order of Service on the Lord's Day 11 

IV. Prayers for the Regular Service on the Lord's Day 18 

1. Prayer before the Sermon 18 

2. Prayer after the Sermon 29 

V. Prayers and Canticles for the Festival Days 32 

L Advent 32 

2. Christmas 35 

3. New Year- 39 

4. Good Friday 41 

5. Easter- 45 

fi. Ascension 49 

7. Pentecost 53 

S. Trinity 58 

VI. Prayers and Scriptural Lessons for Davs of Public Prayer, 

Fastings, etc 60 

VII. Prayers and Scripture Lessons, for Days of Public Thanks- 

giving, Harvest Festivals, etc 69 

VIII. Prayers for Special Occasions T7 

IX. Ancient Liturgical Forms 88 

X. Holy Baptism 99 

1. For Infants 99 

2. For Sick Children 107 

3. For Adults 109 

XI. The Holy Communion 114 

1. 'The Preparatorv Service 114 

2. The Holy Supper 123 

3. The Communion of the Sick 140 

XII. Confirmation 146 

XIII. Marriage 160 

XIV. Ordination and Installation of Ministers 165 

XV. Ordination and Installation of Elders and Deacons 181 

XVI. Excommunication and Restoration 187 

XVII. The Laving of a Corner-stone- 193 

XVIII. The Consecration of a Church 199 

XIX. The Opening and Close of Synods and Classes 204 

XX. The Visitation of the Sick and Dving 208 

XXI. The Burial of the Dead " 240 

XXII. APPENDIX: Collection of Scriptural Passages for Special 

Purposes 257 

1. General Sinfulness and Guilt 257 

2. Blindness ot Heart in respect to Sin 257 

3. Penitence and Repentance 258 

4. Faith in the Forgiveness of Sins 258 

5. Promise of the Forgiveness of Sins 259 

6. Regeneration and Renewal in Christ 259 

7. Sanctification 259 

8. Love to God 259 

9. Love to One's Neighbor 260 

10. 11. 12. 13. Prayer 260 

14. Humilty 262 

15. Necessity of Warfare and Suffering 262 

16. Trust. Patience, and Submission 263 

17. Life of Faith in God 264 

■ 18. Death, Judgment Eternity 264 

19. Texts suitable for Funeral Sermons 265 

20. Texts suitable for Missionary Discourses 269 

21. Texts suitable for the Preparatory Service 271 

22. Texts suitable for Communion Sermons 273 

23. Texts suitable for Corfirmation Discourses 274 

24. Texts suitable for Harvest and Thanksgiving Fes- 

tivals 275 



jALEHPAR OF THE SoYABLE l^EASTS 



FROM lCJO TO 1C)00. 



S3 



CO _c 

m 



1870 
1871 
1872 
1873 
1874 
1875 
1876 
1877 
1878 
1879 
1880 
1881 
1882 
1883 
1884 
1885 
1886 
1887 
1888 
1889 
1890 
1891 
1892 
1893 
1894 
1895 
1896 
1897 
1898 
1899 
1900 



CO >> 

CP si 

SsC ^ 

S3 3 

CD 

m 



Feb. 
Feb. 
Jan. 
Feb. 
Feb. 
Jan. 
Feb. 
Jan. 
Feb. 
Feb. 
Jan. 
Feb. 
Feb. 
Jan. 
Feb. 
Feb. 
Feb. 
Feb. 
Jan. 
Feb. 
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Jan. 
Feb. 
Jan. 
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Feb. 
Feb. 
Feb. 
Feb. 
Jan. 
Feb. 



< a 



Mar. 
Feb. 
Feb. 
Feb. 
Feb. 
Feb. 
Mar. 
Feb. 
Mar. 
Feb. 
Feb. 
Mar. 
Feb. 
Feb. 
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Feb, 
Feb. 
Mar. 
Feb. 
Feb. 
Mar. 
Feb. 
Feb. 
Feb. 
Feb. 
Mar. 
Mar. 
Mar. 
Mar. 



Apr. 
Apr. 
Mar. 
Apr. 
A.pr. 
Mar. 
Apr. 
Apr. 
Apr. 
Apr. 
Mar 
Apr. 
Apr. 
Mar, 
Apr. 
Apr. 
Apr. 
Apr. 
Apr. 
Apr. 
Apr. 
Mar 
Apr. 
Apr. 
Mar 
Apr. 
Apr. 
Apr. 
Apr. 
Apr. 
Apr. 



May 
May 
May 
May 
May 
May 
May 
May 
May 
May 
May 
May 
May 
May 
May 
May 
June 
May 
May 
May 
May 
May 
May 
May 
May 
May 
May 
May 
May 
June 
June 



June 5 
May 28 
May 19 
June 1 
Mav 24 
May 16 
June 4 
May 20 
June 9 
June 1 
May 16 
June 5 
May 28 
May 13 
June 1 
May 24 
June 1 3 
May 29 
May 20 
June 9 
May 25 
May 17 
June 5 
May 21 
May 13 
June 2 
May 24 
Jnne 6 
June 7 
May 21 
June 3 



si '~ 



23 
25 
26 
24 
25 
26 
24 
26 
23 
24 
26 
23 
25 
27 
24 
25 
22 
24 
26 
23 
25 
26 
23 
26 
27 
24 
25 
23 
23 
26 
24 



(Vi) 



IcRIPTLmE^ESSONSFOIl/mE^HUIiG^EA^, 
$♦ The Christmas S-easxm, 



FiKSr SERIES, 



.YD SE RIE3 



First Sunday in Advent. .Gospel. 

" " «* ..Epistle. 

Second 4i " ...Gospel. 

" " " .Epistle. 

Third " " . Gospel 

" <; ..Epistle. 

Fourth " " ..Gospel. 

" " " ..Epistle. 

Christmas Dat Gospel. 

Epistle. 

Second Christmas Gospel. 

" Epistle. 

Sunday after Christmas. .Gospel. 
" *« ..Epistle. 

New Year Gospel. 

" Epistle. 

Sunday after New Year . .Gospel 
" " ..Epistle. 

Epiphany Gospel. 

" Epistle. 

First Sun. after Epiphany. Gospel . 

" " Epistle. 

Second " " Gospel 

" " " Epistle. 

Third " " Gospel. 

Epistle. 

Fourth" " Gospel. 

" " " Epistle. 

Fifth " " Gospel 

" " " Epistle. 

Sixth " " -Gospel 

Epistle. 



First Sunday in Advent, 



Matt. 21: 1-9 
Rom. 13:11-14 
Luke 21 : 25-36 
Rom. 15: 4-13 
Matt. 11: 2-10 
1 Cor. 4: 1-5 
John 1: 19-28 
Phil. 4: 4-7 
Luke 2: 1-14 
Titus 2: 11-14 
Luke 2: 15-20 
|Heb. 1: 1-12 
Luke 2: 23-40 
Gal. 4: 1-7 
Luke 2: 15-21 
Gal. 3: 23-29 
Matt. 2: 13-23 
|1 Pet. 4:12-19 
Matt. 2; 1-12 
Isa. 60: 1-6 
Luke 2: 41-52 
Rom. 12: 1-6 
John 2: 1-11 
Rom. 13: 8-10 
Matt. 8: 1-13 
Rom. 12: 17-21 

1 Matt. 8: 23-27 
Rom. 13: 3-10 
Matt. 13: 24-30 

jCol.3: 12-17 
Matt. 17: -9 

2 Pet. 1. 16 21 



. Gospel 
Epistle 
Gospel 
Epistle 

(Vli) 



third series. 
Luke 1 : 67-79 
Heb. 10: 19-27 
Luke 13:18-27 
2 Pet. 1: 2-9 



Luke 17: 20-25 
Rom. 14: 17-19 
Luke 12: 35-48 
Rom. 14: 7-12 
Luke 2: 3-18 
Acts 3: 19-26 
John 3: 22-36 
1 John 1 : 1-4 
John 1 : 14-18 
Eph. 1 : 3-8 
Matt. 23: 34-39 
Acts 6: 2-7, 59 
Luke 1 : 46-57 
I Tim. 3: 16 
Heb. 13: 8-14 
Ps. 90: 2-6 
John 12: 44-50 
1 Thess. 5: 5-10 
Matt. 3: 13-17 
Isa. 42: 1-8 
Mark 10: 13-16 
Eph. 6: 1-4 
Luke 4: 14-24 
Rom. 1 : 16-25 
John 4: 5-14 
Rom. 5: 1-5 
John 4: 15-26 
Rom. 2: 4-11 
Matt. 9: 35-38 
Acts 16: 9-15 
Luke 6: 1-10 
Acts 13: 42-52 

FOURTH SERIES. 

John 1: 1-18 
1 John 1: 1-10 
Matt. 25: 1-13 
Heb. 10: 1-9 



Vlll 



LITURGY, OK ORDER OF WORSHIP 



Third Sunday in Advent. Gospel. 

" " " Epistle 

Fourth " " Gospel. 

" " " Epistle. 

Christmas Day Gospel. 

Epistle. 

Second Christmas Gospel. 

" Epistle. 

Sunday after Christmas. .Gospel. 
" " ...Epistle. 

New Year Gospel 

... ... Epistle. 

Sunday after Netv Tear. .Gospel 
Epistle 

Epiphany Gospel. 

" Epistle. 

First Sun. after Epiphany. Gospel . 

" " " Epistle. 

Second " " Gospel. 

" " 11 Epistle 

Third " " Gospel. 

" " " Epistle. 

.Fourth " " Gospel. 

" " " Epistle. 

Fifth " " Gospel. 

" " Epistle. 

Sixth " " Gospel. 

k< " Epistle. 



Luke 17: 20-30 
Heb. 12: 15-25 
Matt. 3: 1-12 
2 Cor. 4: 3-6 
Matt. 1: 18-23 
1 John 1: 1-7 
John 1: 1-18 
|Heb. 2:6-15 
|Luke 2: 25-32 
{2 Pet. 10: 10-15 
(Luke 4: 16-21 
Koro. 8: 24-30 
Matt. 3: 13-17 
[1 John 3: 3-8 
Mark 1: 14-22 
Col. 1 : 24-59 
John 1: 35-42 
1 Cor. 1 : 20-31 
John 1 : 43-51 
Heb. 3: 12-19 
John 3: 22-30 
Rom. 1: 14-20 
Luke 4: 16-30 
Rom. 2: 1-11 
John 6: 53-64 
Rom. 2: 12-16 
John 7: 33-39 
Rom. 3: 19-26 



Mark 12: 28-34 
1 Thess. 5: 1-8 
Luke I: 46-55 
Gal. t 3: 21-29 
Isa. 9: 2-7 
Phil. 2: 5-11 
John 11: 32-46 
Titus 3: 4-7 
Matt. 1: 18-25 
1 John 4: 1-10 
Ps.102: 26-28 
Rom. 4: 8-13 
Jer. 17: 5-14 
1 Pet, 3: 20-22 
Ps. 23: 1-6 
Eph.3: 1-12 
Matt. 3: 13-17 
Rom. 6: 3-11 
Ps. 32 

Heb. 2: 14-18 
Matt. 12: 45-46 
1 Cor. 1: 17-25 
John 1: 35-42 
Gal. 5: 13-15 
Matt. 13: 1-9 
1 Pet. 1: 22-25 
Matt. 24: 23-31 
1 John 3: 1-10 



II, Easter Season* 



Septuagesima Gospel. 

" Epistle. 

Sexagesima Gospel. 

" Epistle. 

Estomihi Gospel. 

" Epistle. 

Invocavit (1st S. in Lent) . .Gospel . 

" " Epistle. 

Reminiscere (2d S. in Lent) Gospel. 

" Epistle. 

Oculi (3d S. in Lent) Gospel. 

" " Epistle 

Laetare (4th S. in Lent).. Gospel. 

" " .... Epistle. 

Judica (5th S. in Lent) .... Gospel 

" " .... Epistle. 
Palmarum (6th S. in Lent) Gospel. 

" " ... Epistle. 



FIRST SERIES. SECOND SERIES. 



Matt. 20: 1-16 
1 Cor. 9:24; 10:5 
Luke 8: 4-15 
2Cor.ll:19;12:9 
Luke 18: 31-43 

1 Cor 13: 1-13 
Matt, 4: 1-11 

2 Cor. 6: 1-10 
Matt. 15: 21-28 
1 Thess. 4: 1-7 
Luke 11:14-28 
Eph. 5: 1-9 
John 6: 1-15 
Gal. 4: 21-31 
John 8: 46-59 
Heb. 9: 11-15 
Matt. 21 : 1-9 
Phil. :> : 5-11 



Matt. 11 : 16-24 
Acts 9 : 36-42 
John 8 : 21-29 
Heb. 10: 19--.9 
Matt, 16: 21-23 
2 Cor. 11: 23-30 
John 2: 13-22 

1 Pet. 1 : 17-25 
Matt. 12 : 38-42 
Jas. 1 : 2-12 
John 6 : 47-56 

2 Cor. 1: 3-7 
John 6 : 57-69 
Heb. 10: 5-18 
John 12: £0-32 
2 Cor. 5: 14-2J 
John 12: 1-13 
Heb- 12 ; 



FOR THE REFORMED CHURCH. 



Good Friday Gospel 

" Epistle 

Easter Day Gospel 

" Epistle 

Easter Monday Gospel 

" Epistle 

QuASnvtODOGENITI Gospel 

(1st Sun. after Easter). 

" " Epistle 

IMisERicditDiAS Dom Gospel 

(2d Sun. after Easter) 

" Epistle 

Jubilate Gospel 

(3d Sun. after Easter) 

« " Epistle 



Septuagesima Gospel. 

" Epistle . 

Sexagesima Gospel. 

" Epistle. 

Estomihi Gospel. 

" Epistle. 

Invocavit (1st S. in Lent) .Gospel. 

" " Epistle. 

Reminiscere (2d S. in Lent)Gospel. 

" " Epistle 

Oculi (3d S. in Lent) Gospel . 

" « Epistle. 

Laetare (4th S.in Lent). .Gospel. 

" " Epistle. 

Judica (5th S.in Lent) Gospel. 

" " Epistle. 

Palmarum (6th S. in Lent) . Gospel . 

" " Epistle. 

Good Friday Gospel. 

" Epistle. 

Easter Day Gospel. 

" Epistle. 

Easter Monday Gospel. 

" Epistle. 

QUASIMODOGENITI Gospel . 

(1st Sun. after Easter) 

" " Epistle. 

Misericordias e Dom Gospel. 

(2d Sun. after Easter) 

" " Epistle. 

Jubilate Gospel. 

(3d Sun. after Easter) 

" " Epistle . 



John 19 : 1-37 
Isa.52: 13, -53-1 2 
Mark 16: 1-8 
1 Cor.5 : 6-8 
Luke 24: 13-35 
Acts 10: 34-41 
John 20: 19-31 

1 John 5 : 4-10 
John 10: 12-16 

1 Pet. 2: 21-25 
John 16: 16-23 

1 Pet. 2: 11-20 

THIRD SERi ES . 

Luke 6: 20-35 
Rom. 3 : 27-31 
Luke 9: 18-26 
Rom. 5 : 1-H 
Luke 10 ; 38-42 
Jas. 3: 13-18 
Mark 2: 18-22 
Gal. 5: 13-18 
Luke 7 : 36-50 

1 John 2 : 12-17 
Luke 10 : 17-22 
Jas. 1 : 2-8 
John 8 : 12-20 

2 Cor. 7: 6-13 
John 11 : 41-53 

1 Pet. 1 : 17-25 
Luke 19: 28-46 
Rev. 1:4-8 
Luke 23: 44-49 

2 Cor. 5 : 12-21 
John 20: 1-10 

Cor. 15: 11-20 
John 20 : 11-18 
1 Cor. 15: 25-49 
John 21 : 15-19 

1 Cor. 15: 54-58 
John 15 : 9-16 



Matt. 27: 45-54 
1 Pet. 2: 21-25 
Matt. 28: 1-10 

1 Cor. 15: 51-58 
John 20: 11-18 

2 Tim. 2 : 8 
Luke 24: 36-47 

2 Tim. 2: 1-13 
John 10: 22-30 

Rev. 7: 13-17 
Matt. 10 : 16-20 

Acts 4: 8-20 

FOURTH SERIES. 

Matt. 16: 21-28 
Rom. 8 : 31-39 
Luke 13 : 22-35 
1 John 2: 12-17 
Matt. 26: 1-16 
1 Pet. 4: 12-19 
Matt. 26 : 17-29 
1 John 3: 4-16 
John 9 : 34-41 
Heb. 12 : 1-3 
John 11 : 17-45 
Rom. 3: 27-31 
Isa. 53: 8-12 
Rom. 5: 1-11 
John 12: 1-11 
Kph. I : 7-9 
Matt. ^7: 11-30 
Heb. 12: 1-6 
John 1 : 29 
Heb 10: 1-25 
Luke 24: 1-12 
Col. 3: 1-11 
Luke 24: 36-48 
Acts 13: 26-41 
John 20 : 1-9 

1 Pet. 2: 1-6 
Matt. 18: 1-7 



1 John 4: 1-8 Rev. 7: 13-1? 
John 15 : 17-27 (John 21: 20-85 

1 John 4: 9-16 U Cor. 4: 13-1 



X LITURGY, OR ORDER OF WORSHIP 

$H, The f entecostal Season. 



Cantate Gospel . 

(4th Sun. after Easter) 

" .Epistle. 

Rogate Gospel. 

(5th Sun. after Easter) 

" Epistle. 

Ascension Day Gospel 

" " Epistle. 

Exaudi Gospel . 

" Epistle 

Pentecost — (Whitsunday).. Gospel . 

" Epistle. 

Whitmonday Gospel . 

" " Epistle. 

Cantate .. Gospel. 

(4th Sun. after Easter) 

" " Epistle 

Rogate Gospel. 

(5th Sun. after Easter) 

•' Epistle. 

Ascension Day Gospel 

" " Epistle 

Exaudi Gospel. 

" Epistle. 

Pentecost — (Whitsunday). .Gospel. 

" Epistle. 

Wh itmon.da r Gospel. 

" ... ...... Episde 



FIRST SERIES. 



John 16: 5-15 



seco.vd series. 



Matt. 10: 24-33 



James 1 : 16-21 I Thess. 2: 9-13 
John 16: 23-30 Luke 11: 9-13 

James 1 : 22-2711 Tim. 6: 11-16 
Mark 16: 14-,0 Luke 24 : 49-53 
Acts 1:1-11 Heb. 4:14-16 
Jno.l5:26;16:4 John 7: 33-39 



1 Peter 4: 8-11 
John 14: 23-31 
Acts 2: 1-13 
John 3: 16-21 
Acts 10: 42-48 

THIRD series. 
John 17: 1-10 

Philemon 2: 1-4 
Luke 11: 1-9 

1 Tim. 2: 1-6 
John 17: 11-20 
Col. 1: 3-4 
Acts 1: 15-26 

2 Tim. 2: 8-13 
Acts 2: 1-33 
Eph. 2: 19-22 
Acts 2: 37-48 



Col. 3: 1-10 
John 14: 15-21 
Acts 2: 32-41 
Hez.36:26;27 
ICor 2: 7-16 

FOURTH SERIES. 

John 16: 16-28 

Phil. 2: 5-11 
Matt. 7: 9-11 

James 1 : 5-8 
John 17: 20-26 
Rev. 1: 12-18 
Luke 1 1 : 9-13 
Acts 19: 1-7 
Joel 2: 28-32 
! Cor. 12: 1-3 
John 16: 14-21 
Acts 8: 14-17 



The $hureh Season. 





FlIiST SERIES. 


SECOND SERIES. 


Trinity 


Sunday 




Gospel . . 


John 3: 1-15 


Matt. 28: 18-20 








Epistle . : 


Rom. 11: 33-36 


Titus 3: 4-8 


First Sun. after T 


UINITY 


. Gospel. . 


Luke 16: 19-31 


Mark 4: -;6-32 








Epistle . . 


1 John 4: 16-21 


Acts 2: 42-47 


Second 


it 


ti 


Gospel. . 


Luke 14: 16-24 


Luke 15: 11-32 








Epistle . . 


1 John 3: 13-24 


I John 1: 5; 2:2 


Third 


a 




Gospel. . 


Luke 15: 1-10 


Matt. 15:1-14 




a 




Epistle . 


1 Peter 5: 6-11 


Acts 5: 34-42 


FOU R TH 


it 




Gospel. 


Luke 6: 36-4-2 


Matt. 8: 5-13 




a 


a 


Epistle . 


Rom. 8: 18-23 


Acts 9: 1-20 


Fifth 


cc 




Gospel 


Luke 5: 1-1 1 


Luke 10: 38-42 






a 


Epistle . 


1 Peter 3:8-15 


Phil. 3: 8-14 


Sixth 


u 


a 


Gospel . . 


Matt. 5: -.0-26 


John 5: 19-29 




it 


>i 


Epistle. . 


Rom. 6: 3-11 


Eph. 2: 4-10 



FOR THE REFORMED CHURCH. 



xi 



Seventh Sun. after 
Eighth " 

If 1 NTH " 

Tenth ?« 

Eleventh " 

Twelfth " 

Thirteenth 

Fourteenth 

Fifteenth " 

Sixteenth " 

Seventeenth 

Eighteenth 

Nineteenth 

Twentieth 

Twenty-First 

Twenty- Second 

Twenty-Third 

K 

T w ent y-Fourth 
Twenty-Fifth 
Twenty-Sixth 
Twenty-Seventh 

Trinity Sunday. . . 



...Gospel. 
Epistle. 
Gospel. 
Epistle . 
Gospel . 
Epistle 
Gospel 
Epistle . 
Gospel 
Epistle . 
Gospel. 
Epistle . 
Gospel . 
Epistle 
Gospel. 
Epistle. 
Gospel . 
Epistle . 
Gospel. 
Epistle. 
Gospel 
Epistle. 
Gospel 
Epistle. 
Gospel. 
Epistle. 
Gospel . 
Epistle . 
Gospel . 
Epistle . 
Gospel. 
Epistle . 
Gospel . 
Epistle . 
Gospel. 
Epistle. 
Gospel. 
Epistle . 
Gospel. 
Epistle 
Gospel 
Epistle 



Gospel 

Epistle. 

First Sun, after Trinity. . Gospel . 

■* " Epistle. 

Second " " Epistle. 

Epistle. 
: Gospel. 

Epistle. 
1 Gospel . 
Epistle 



Third 
Fourth 



IMark 8:1-9 [Luke 13: 10-17 
\ Rom. 6: 19-23 Heb. 12: 5-11 
Matt. 7: 15-23 Matt. 19: 16-26 
| Rom. 8: 12-17 1 Tim. 6: 6-10 
I Luke 16:1-9 ! Matt. 1 6: 24-28 
1 Cor. 10: 1-14 Acts 17: 24-31 
Luke 19: 41-48 Luke 19: 1-10 
1 Cor. 12: 1-11 1 Tim. 1: 12-17 



Luke 18: 9-14 
1 Cor. 15: 1-10 

1 Mark 7: 31-37 

2 Cor. 3: 4-11 
iLuke 10: 23-37 



Gal. 3: 15-22 



Mark 12: 41-44 
James 2: 13-17 
John 8: 31-45 
Rom. 7: 18; 8-4 
Luke 6: 20-31 
Phil. 2:1-11 



iLuke 17: ll-l9 Matt. 13: 44-50 



Gal. 5: 16-24 
Matt. 6: 24-34 
Gal. 5: 25 6: 20 
(Luke 7: 11-17 
Eph. 3: 13-21 
Luke 14: 1-14 
Eph. 4: 1-6 
Matt. 22: 34-46 
1 Cor. 1: 4-9. 
Matt. 9: 1-8 
Eph. 4: 2-2-30 
Matt. 22: 1-14 
! Eph. 5: 15-21 
John 4: 47-54 
| Eph. 6: 10-20 
Matt. 18: 21-35 
Phil. 1: 3-11 



2 Pet. 1: 2-11 
Luke 12: 13-21 
1 John 2: 12-17 
John 15: 1-11 
1 John 2: 28; 3:8 
John 9: 1-7 
Heb. 4, 9-13 
John 9: 24-39 
1 John 4: 7-12 
Luke 7: 36-50 
James 3: 13-18 
Luke 18: 1-8 
1 Tim. 2: 1-6 
John 11: 32-45 

1 Cor. 15: 35-50 
Matt. 22: 23-33 

2 Cor. 4: 11-18 



Matt. 22: 15-22 Luke 14: 16-24 
Phil. 3: 17-21 Rev. 21:1-8 



Matt. 9: 18-26 
Col. 1: 9-14 
Matt. 24: 15-2* 



Matt. 16: 5-12 
Heb. 11: 1-10 
Matt. 21: 33-43 



1 Thess.4:l3-18 James 4: 4-10 
Matt. 25: 31-46 Matt. 25: 14-30 

2 Thess, 1: 3-10 Heb. 12: 18-24 
Matt. 25: 1-13 Mark 13 : 33-37 
2 Peter 3: 3-14 1 Thess.5:14-24 



third series. 
John 15: 1-8 
1 Cor. 2: 1-12 
Acts 3: 1-11 
Rom. 8: 1-11 
[Acts 4: 1-12 
|Rom. 10: 1-11 
Acts 4: 13-22 
Eph. 2: 13-18 
i Acts 4: 23-37 
(Col. 4: 1-6 



FOURTH SERIES. 

Act 2: 28-39 
Rev. 4: 1-11 
Matt. 16:13-20 
Eph. 2: 19-22 
Acts 3: 1-10 
Eph. 4: 4-16 
Luke 7: 36-49 
1 Cor. 12: 12-27 
Acts 5: 16-21 
Gal. 3: 26-29 



xii 



LITURGY, OR ORDER OF WORSHIP 



Fifth " 

Sixth " 

Seventh " 

Eighth " 

Ninth " 

Tenth " 

Eleventh " 

Twelfth ki 

Thirteenth 

Fourteenth 

Fifteenth " 
u 

Sixteenth " 

Seventeenth 

Eighteenth 

Nineteenth 

Twentieth 

Twenty-First 

Twenty-Second 

Twenty-Third 

Twenty-Fourth 

Twenty -Fifth 

Twenty- Sixth 

Twenty-Seventh 



Gospel. 

Epistle . 

Gospel. 

Epistle. 

Gospel 

Epistle. 

Gospel. 

Epistle 

Gospel . 

Epistle 

Gospel 

Epistle. 

Gospel . 

Epistle. 

Gospel. 

Epistle. 

Gospel. 

Epistle. 

Gospel. 

Epistle. 

Gospel. 

Epistle. 

Gospel. 

Epistle. 

Gospel. 

Epistle. 

Gospel. 

Epistle. 

Gospel . 

Epistle. 

Gospel. 

Epistle. 

Gospel. 

Epistle. 

Gospel 

Epistle. 

Gospel. 

Epistle . 

Gospel . 

Epistle. 

Gospel . 

Epistle. 

Gospel . 

Epistle. 

Gospel. 

Epistle . 



Acts 5: 1-11 
Gal. 2: 17-21 
Acts 8: 26-38 
Rom. 10: 12-18 
Acts 9: 1-19 
1 Tim. 1: 12-17 
Acts 14: 8-18 
Rom. 11: 11-21 
Acts 1(5: 16-34 
Rom. 11: 25-32 
Acts 17: 21-34 
1 Cor. 3: 10-17 
Acts 20: 15-38 
1 Thess. 5:14-24 
Acts: ^6:24-31 

1 Pet. 3: 15-18 
Luke 12: 1-8 
Gal. 5: 16-24 
Luke 15: 11-32 
Eph. 6: 1-9 
Luke 9: 46-56 

2 Thess. 3: 6-16 
Luke 6: 57-62 
James 3: 1-10 
Matt. 5: 33-37 

2 Cor. 8: 1-9 
Mark 10: 17-27 

1 Tim. 6: 6-16 
Mark 12: 28-44 

2 Cor. 9: 6-15 
Luke 12: 15-23 
Heb. 4: 1-11 
Mark 12: 28-34 
James 2: 8-13 
Luke 19: 1-10 
James 1: 9-12 
Luke 19: 11-27 
Heb. 12:7-30 
Luke 16: 1017 
James 5: 7-11 
Luke 12: 35-46 
2 Cor. 5: 6-11 
Luke 12: 49-57 
2 Cor. 4: 13-18 
John 14: 1-6 

2 Cor. 13: 5-13 



,Acts 5: 34-42 
Acts 2: 41-47 
Acts 6: 1-7 
John 5: 11-16 
Matt. 7: 1-12 
Rom. 6: 11-19 
Acts 8: 14-25 
Phil. 3: 3-11 
Acts 8: 26-40 

1 Pet. 1 : 3-9 
Acts 9: 1-8 
Heb. 11: 3^12-2 
Luke 10: 38-42 
Rom. 8: 16-26 

2 Sam. 7: 22-24 

1 John 4: 15-21 
Luke 12: 27-31 
James 4: 8-10 
Matt. 5: 43-48 
Rom. 12: 14-21 
Matt. 11:28-30 
James 2: 14-26 
Acts 9: 32-43 

2 Cor. 9: 5-15 
John 11: 17-40 
Phil. 2: 1-5 
Luke 13: 22-30 
2 Cor. 4: 8-18 
John 5: 1-15 

2 Pet. 1: 1-11 
Mark 13:32-37 
1 Tim. 2: 1-6 
Luke 16: 19-31 

1 John 3: 1-3 
John 11:19: 27 

2 Cor. 4: 11-18 
Acts 24: 24-27 
Rev. 20: 11-15 
John 5: 24-29 
Rev. 22: 1-21 
Acts 26: 24-29 
Rev. 7: 1-17 
Matt. 19: 27-30 

1 Thess. 5: 1-11 
John 17: 20-26 

2 Cor. 5: 1:10 



Hhe §rde^ fo^ t^e §egulai\ He^vice 

ON THE LORD'S DAY. 

INVOCATION. 

At the appointed hour the minister shall arise and pronounce one of 
the following Invocations or Salutations. 

OUR help is in the name of the Lord, who 
made heaven and earth. Amen. Ps. cxxiv. 8. 

IN the name of the Father, and of the Son, and 
of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

BLESSED be the God and Father of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all 
spiritual blessings in heavenly* places, in Christ. 
Amen. Eph. i. 3. 

U^sTO the God of all grace, who hath called us 
unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, be 
glory and dominion, for ever and ever. Amen. 
1 Peter v. 10, 11. 

On Christmas. 

GLORY to God in the highest, and on earth 
peace, goodwill toward men. Amen. Luke 
ii. 11, 

On Good Friday. 

ORTHY is the Lamb that was slain to re- 
ceive power, and riches and wisdom, and 
strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. 
Amen. Rev. v. 12. 

(U) 





12 



LITURGY, OR ORDER OF WORSHIP 



On Easter. 

BLESSED be the God and Father of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, who, according to his abundant 
mercy, hath begotten us again unto a lively hope 
by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 
Amen. 1 Peter i. 3. 

Pentecost. 

THE Spirit who proceedeth from the Father 
and the Son, rest upon you; guide you into 
all truth ; and bear witness with your spirit, that 
ye are the children of God. Amen. 

LORD God Almighty, whom the heaven of 
V^/ heavens can not contain, and much less the 
temples which our hands have builded, but who 
art ever nigh unto the humble and contrite: shed 
down thy Holy Spirit, we beseech thee, on all that 
are here assembled; that being cleansed and illu- 
mined by his grace, we may worthily show forth 
thy praise, meekly learn thy Word, render due 
thanks for thy mercies, and obtain a gracious an- 
swer to our prayers, through the merits of Jesus 
Christ, our Lord. Amen. 

ALMIGHTY God, who hast promised to be 
present with thy people, and to grant their 
requests in the name of thy well-beloved Son : 
regard us, we humbly beseech thee, with thy favor, 
and for the sake of him who is our only Saviour 
and Mediator, fulfill thy word to thy servants; that 
our thoughts being lifted up, and our desires drawn 



FOR THE REFORMED CHURCH. 



13 



forth to thee, we may render thee acceptable wor- 
ship ; through J esus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

ALMIGHTY and most gracious God! Heaven 
is thy throne, and earth is thy footstool ! Holy 
and reverend is thy name! We sinners present 
ourselves and our supplication before thee, through 
our blessed Mediator. Receive us graciously, help 
us by thy Spirit, let thy fear be upon us, let thy 
Word come unto us in power, and be received in 
love. Cause us to be fervent in prayer, and joyful 
in thy praises, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 

THE grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the 
love of God, and the communion of the Holy 
Ghost, be with you all. Amen. 2 Cor. xiii. 14. 




HE grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with 
you all. Amen. Phil. iv. 23. 



GRACE be to you, and peace from God our 
Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 
Amen. 2 Cor. i. 12. 

GRACE and peace be multiplied unto you, 
through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 2 Peter i. 2. 

RACE be with you, mercy and peace from God 
VJ the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, 
the Son of the Father, in truth and love. Amen,. 
i 2 John 3. 

2 



14 



LITURGY, OR ORDER OF WORSHIP 



GRACE be unto you, and peace from hirn which 
is, and which was, and which is to come; and 
from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness and 
the First-begotten of the dead, and the Prince of 
the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, 
and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and 
hath made ns kings and priests unto God and his 
Father : to him be glory and dominion for ever and 
ever. Amen. Rev. i. 4—6. 

HYMN AND SCRIPTURE LESSONS. 

Then shall be sung a suitable Psalm or Hymn; after which the min- 
ister shall read the Scripture Lessons; these may be the Gospel and 
Epistle for the day, or some other suitable passage of God's Word. 
(See Scripture Lessons for the Church Year. pp. 6-10.) 

THE GENERAL PRAYER. 

Then shall follow the General Prayer before the Sermon. (For this 
General Prayer one of those immediately following this order may 
be used.) 

PSALM OR HYMN. 
Then shall be sung another Psalm or Hymn. 
THE SERMON. 

Then shall follow the Sermon, which on ordinary occasions should 
not exceed forty minutes. The text may be taken from the Gospel 
or Epistle for the day, or some other suitable passage of Scripture. 

PRAYER. 

Then the minister may offer a Free Prayer, having special reference 
to the subject of his discourse, and the wants of the congregation; 
followed by the Lord's Prayer, in which all the people may join 
aloud. Or the Lord's Prayer alone may be used. Or one of the 
prayers following this order may be used. After which all such an- 
nouncements as are proper to be made shall be published. 



FOR THE REFORMED CHURCH. 



15 



HYMN AND ALMS. 

Then shall be sung a suitable Hymn, ending with the Gloria Patri, or 
an appropriate Doxology. During the singing of the latter the 
congregation shall stand. 

The Alms of the people shall be collected by the Deacons, either 
before or during the singing of the Hymn. 

BENEDICTION. 
Then shall the minister pronounce one of these Benedictions. 

THE grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the 
love of God, and the communion of the Holy 
Ghost, be with you all. Amen. 2 Cor. xiii. 14. 

THE Lord bless thee and keep thee : the Lord 
make his face to shine upon thee, and be gra- 
cious unto thee: the Lord lift up his countenance 
upon thee, and give thee peace. Amen. Num. vi. 
24-26. 

NOW the Lor£ of peace himself give you peace 
always, by all means. The Lord be with you 
all. Amen. 2 Thess. iii. 16. 

NOW the very God of peace sanctify you 
wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit, 
and soul and body be preserved blameless unto 
the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 
1 Thess. v. 23. 




EACE be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. 
Amen. 1 Peter v. 14. 



NOW our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, 
even our Father, which hath loved us, and 
hath given us everlasting consolation and good 



16 



LITURGY, OR ORDER OF WORSHIP 



hope, through grace, comfort your hearts, and stab- 
lish you in every good word and work. Amen. 
2 Thess. ii. 16, 17. 

NOW the God of hope fill you with all joy and 
peace in believing, that ye may abound in 
hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 
Rom. xv. 13. 

NOW the God of peace that brought again from 
the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd 
of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting 
covenant, make you perfect in every good work to 
do his will, working in you that which is well-pleas- 
ing in his sight, through Jesus Christ : to whom be 
glory for ever and ever. Amen. Heb. xiii. 20, 21. 

THE God of all grace; who has called us unto 
his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that 
ye have suffered awhile, make you perfect, stab- 
lish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and 
dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter v. 
10, 11. 

GRACE be unto you, and peace, from him which 
is, and which was, and which is to come ; and 
from the seven spirits which are before his throne; I 
and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, 
and the First-begotten of the dead, and the Prince 
of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us 
and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and 
hath made us kings and priests unto God and his 
Father: to him be glory and dominion for ever and 
ever. Amen. Rev. i. 4-6. 



FOR THE REFORMED CHURCH. 



17 



HE peace of God which passeth all under- 



X standing, keep your hearts and minds in the 
knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus 
Christ our Lord: and the blessing of God Almighty, 
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst 
you, and remain with you always. Amen. 

GKACE, mercy, and peace from God the Father, 
and the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be with you 
all. Amen. 




18 



LITURGY, OR ORDER OF WORSHIP 





'RATERS FOf^ THE (§EGUI>A& g^YIGB 

ON THE LOP^D'S DAY. 

I. 

LMIGHTY and everlasting God, our heavenly 



JT\. Father: we acknowledge and confess before 
thy divine majesty that we are sinners, conceived 
and born in sin, prone to do evil, and unable of 
ourselves to do any good; and that by frequent 
transgressions of thy holy commandments, we have 
incurred thy righteous sentence of condemnation 
and death. But, O Lord, we do most heartily re- 
pent of all our sins. We condemn ourselves and 
our iniquities, and beseech thee, by thy grace, to 
help our infirmities. Have mercy upon us, O God? 
and for the sake of thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, par- 
don all our offenses and shortcomings; and vouch- 
safe unto us the grace of thy Holy Spirit, that we 
may die more and more unto sin, and bring forth 
the fruits of righteousness and holiness to the 
praise of thy great name. 

Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth : we 
give thee most hearty thanks for our creation, pres- 
ervation, and especially for our redemption, through 
the bitter passion and death of thy Son, Jesus Christ 




FOR THE REFORMED CHURCH. 



19 



our Lord. We bless thee for all the help and suc- 
cor thou hast given us in our necessities ; for thy 
fatherly comfort in our tribulations ; for the means 
of grace, and for the hope of glory. And we be- 
seech thee ever to preserve in our hearts such 
gratitude for thy manifold mercies, that we may 
continually show forth thy praise. Kenew us also 
more and more by thy Word and Spirit in the 
image of thy Son, that we may honor and glorify 
thee, both in life and in death, until we come at 
last through all the trials of this present life, into 
the glory of thy heavenly kingdom. 

[Here any special prayer, or collect maybe inserted.] 

OGOD, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of 
whom the whole family in heaven and earth 
is named: grant, we beseech thee, thy blessing upon 
the Church which he has redeemed with his most 
precious blood. Extend her borders, and preserve 
her from all the assaults of her enemies. Send down 
thy heavenly grace upon all her pastors and con- 
gregations, and unite all thy people in the bonds of 
truth, of righteousness, and of peace. Increase the 
number of faithful ministers of the Word, so that 
the waste places of thy Zion may be speedily sup- 
plied. Send out thy light and thy truth throughout 
the whole world, and hasten the day when all thy 
foes shall be put to shame, and thou shalt bring in 
the full victory of thine everlasting kingdom. 

Almighty God, King of kings and Lord of lords, 
who alone hast all power in heaven and in earth: 
regard with special favor, we beseech thee, our 



20 



LITURGY, OR ORDER OF WORSHIP 



land and nation. Bless thy servant the President 
of the United States, the Governor of this State, 
our legislators, and all that are in authority over 
us. Endow them with such gifts as may be need- 
ful to the faithful discharge of their duties, and 
establish our land in righteousness and peace. Pre- 
serve us from all public calamities, from famine 
and pestilence, from war and bloodshed, but espe- 
cially from all national sins ; and grant that peace 
and prosperity, truth and justice, virtue and relig- 
ion, may be preserved amongst us, throughout all 
generations. 

O God, the merciful preserver of all thy creat- 
ures : hear our prayers and supplications, we hum- 
bly entreat thee, in behalf of all ranks and condi- 
tions of men. Comfort and sustain the poor and 
needy, the sick and the afflicted, the widow and the 
fatherless, the oppressed and the persecuted, and 
all such as are in any distress, whether of body, 
mind, or estate. Reveal thyself unto them as the 
God of all grace and consolation, and grant them 
strength to endure their trials with patience and 
resignation to thy holy will, and at last give 
them a happy deliverance out of all their troubles, 
and an entrance into thy eternal rest in heaven^ 
through Jesus Christ our Lord, to Whom, with Thee 
and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and praise, world 
without end. Amen. 

II. 

ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, who in 
great mercy hast brought us once more to thy 



FOR THE REFORMED CHURCH. 



21 



house of prayer: help us to draw near to thee with 
devout, with penitent and believing hearts, that we 
may worship thee in spirit and in truth. We con- 
fess with shame, that although thou hast called us 
in Christ Jesus our Lord, to be thy children, and 
hast admitted us to the fellowship of thy saints, we 
have not walked worthy of our high calling; but 
have in many things offended thee by our short- 
comings and transgressions. 

But, O most merciful Father, we sincerely de- 
plore our sinfulness and repent of our iniquities, 
and cast ourselves anew upon thy promised grace 
in Christ Jesus. For his sake be merciful to our 
unrighteousness, pardon our sins, and take away 
our guilt; that being comforted with new assur- 
ances of thy favor and love, we may rejoice in thy 
salvation, and have power, through the Holy Ghost, 
henceforth to serve thee more faithfully in newness 
of life, to the glory of thy holy name. 

God, Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and 
earth: we give thee most hearty thanks for our 
creation, and all the blessings of this life, which 
thou hast so bountifully bestowed upon us. But 
above all do we praise thee for the unspeakable 
gift of thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, and for the 
exceeding riches of thy grace granted unto us for 
the sake of his bitter passion and death. And we 
earnestly beseech thee to renew us more and more 
in his most perfect image, by the power of the Holy 
Ghost, through the Word and the Sacraments, so that 
we may daily grow in grace, continue steadfast in 
thy covenant, and abound in all the fruits of right- 
eousness. 



22 



LITURGY, OR ORDER OP WORSHIP 



[Here any special prayer, or collect may be inserted.] 

OTHOU God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
of whom the whole family in heaven and earth 
is named, cause thy blessing, we beseech thee, to rest 
upon the Church, which he has purchased with his 
own precious blood. Enlarge her borders and pros- 
per her in all the earth. Bring to naught the de- 
vices of Satan, and the designs of wicked men, and 
let not the gates of hell prevail against her. Re- 
plenish her ministers with true knowledge and un- 
derstanding of thy Word, and make them wise to 
win souls, watching faithfully as those who must 
give an account of their stewardship. Send down, 
also, upon all her congregations, and especially 
upon us here assembled, the refreshing dew of thy 
grace, that all who are planted in the house of the 
Lord may nourish in the courts of our God. Make 
the gospel of Christ thy power unto salvation, that 
transgressors may be taught thy ways, and sinners 
be converted unto thee. And hasten the day when 
the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the 
Lord, and when the kingdoms of this world shall 
acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord, to the glory of 
thy great and blessed name. 

Most high and mighty God, King of kings and 
Lord of lords, by whom the powers that be have 
been ordained for the defense of righteousness, and 
for the restraint of sin: we invoke thy blessing upon 
all nations, and upon those who rule over them. 
Regard with special favor the President of the 
United States, the Governor of this State, and all 
that are in authority. Impart unto them the spirit 



FOR THE REFORMED CHURCH. 



23 



of wisdom, justice, and mercy; and so direct and 
prosper them in all the duties of their offices, that 
law and order, righteousness, and peace, may be 
maintained throughout our borders. Bless our 
whole land. Keep us safe from public calamities. 
Bestow upon us all needful prosperity, and make 
us great and strong in thy fear and favor, through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Hear our intercessions, also, Father of mercies 
and God of consolation, for all classes and condi- 
tions of men. Comfort the afflicted and distressed; 
support them under their trials ; give them patience 
in their tribulations ; and in due time a happy deliv- 
erance from all their troubles. Remember in spe- 
cial mercy those who are persecuted for righteous- 
ness' sake, and who suffer reproach for thy cause. 
Have pity on the poor, be a father to the fatherless, 
and the consolation of such as are bereaved. And 
enable us all to cast our burdens on the Lord, and 
commit the keeping of our souls unto Thee, as unto 
our faithful Creator and Saviour, that we may have 
peace and comfort in this life, and in the life to 
come the eternal rest of those, who, through faith 
and patience, inherit the promises in thy beloved 
Son; to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be 
all honor and praise, world without end. Amen. 

HI. 

ALMIGHTY and eternal God, who didst on this 
day create the light and command it to shine 
upon the face of the deep : we give thee all honor 
and praise for that more glorious light which shines 



24 



LITURGY, OR ORDER OF WORSHIP 



in upon us from the examples of patriarchs and the 
revelations of prophets ; and especially for the un- 
speakable mercy whereby the Day Spring from on 
high, even Christ, the Lord, hath visited us. 

It is meet and right that we should praise and 
glorify, worship and adore thee, the Maker of all 
things visible and invisible, the Author and Giver 
of all good, the Fountain of life and immortality, 
the Ruler of the universe, and the Judge of all 
men. Heaven, and the heaven of heavens, and 
every power therein, the earth and the sea, the 
hights above and the depths below, declare thy 
glory and show forth thy praise. Jerusalem, that 
is from above, the Church of the First-born written 
in heaven, the spirits of the prophets and of just 
men made perfect, the glorious company of apos- 
tles, martyrs and confessors, the angels and arch- 
angels, cherubim and seraphim, with never-ceas 
ing hymns and perpetual anthems, laud and mag- 
nify thy glorious name; evermore praising Thee 
and saying: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of hosts, 
heaven and earth are full of the majesty of thy 
glory. We also would join in these ascriptions of 
thanksgiving and praise, and say : Glory be to thee, 
O Lord Most High ! 

O God, most merciful Father: we would humble 
ourselves before thy divine majesty, under a deep 
sense of our unworthiness, and confess with sorrow 
and shame our manifold transgressions of thy right- 
eous laws. We have sinned in thought, in word, and 
in deed, and have justly provoked thy wrath and 
indignation against us. We have erred and strayed 
from thee like lost sheep. We are not worthy to 



FOR THE REFORMED CHtTRCH. 



25 



lift up our eyes unto heaven. O Lord, remember 
n/)t our sins against us. For Christ's sake forgive 
the hardness and coldness of our hearts; subdue 
our spirits by thy grace; inflame us with holy love 
to thee, and with ardent zeal in thy service; and 
keep us faithful unto death, that we may thereafter 
be crowned with glory, honor and eternal life, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

[Here any special prayer, or collect, may be inserted.] 

OGOD, Father of all mercies, who hast built thy 
Church upon the foundation of the apostles 
and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief 
corner-stone : grant that we, with all thy people, 
may be so joined together in the unity of the Spirit 
that we may be made a holy temple in the Lord. 
We beseech thee to illuminate all pastors, elders and 
deacons with true knowledge and understanding, 
that both by their preaching and living they may 
show forth thy most holy praise. And to all thy 
faithful people grant thy heavenly grace, that they 
may willingly hear and receive thy word, and truly 
serve thee in holiness and righteousness all their 
days. 

Awaken, by the powerful calling of thy gospel, 
all who are indifferent to thy salvation. Have 
mercy upon the nations which, yet sit in darkness 
and in the shadow of death, and send out thy light 
and thy truth unto the uttermost parts of the earth. 

O Lord, on whom the eyes of all do wait: we 
beseech thee to remember every creature of thine 
for good. Grant health to the sick, and comfort to 



26 



LITURGY, OR ORDER OF WORSHIP 



the sorrowful; pity the sighs of such as are in mis- 
ery; relieve the wants of the poor; sanctify all thy 
people by their sorrows, and give them a happy 
issue out of all their sufferings. And unto him that 
loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own 
blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto 
God and his Father, to him be glory and dominion 
for ever and ever. Amen. 

IV. 

OLOKD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in 
all the earth! Thou hast set thy glory above 
the heavens, and art to be feared and had in rever- 
ence by all them that are round about thee. Grant 
us, we beseech thee, a just sense of thy greatness 
and majesty, and of our unworthiness and sinfulness, 
that coming unto thee through Jesus Christ, we 
may worship thee to divine acceptance, and to the 
joy and comfort of our hearts. 

Thou art our Creator, Preserver, Benefactor and 
Redeemer, and it becomes us, as those who are de- 
pendent upon thee for life and all the blessings we 
enjoy, to praise and magnify thy great and holy 
name. But how, O Lord, shall we, who are creat- 
ures of earth and dust, who have sinned against 
thee times and ways without number, come before 
thee, in whose presence the heavens are not clean? 
Our consciences accuse and condemn us of having 
broken thy holy and righteous law, so that if thou 
wouldst be strict to mark our offenses, we could 
not stand in thy sight. But unto whom can we go 
in our misery and helplessness, but unto thee; for 



FOR THE REFORMED CHURCH. 



27 



thou only canst deliver and art full of compassion, 
and desirest not that any should perish. Thou hast 
also, for our encouragement, invited us to come unto 
thee, and hast given us the assurance that if we 
confess our sins thou art faithful and just to forgive 
us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteous- 
ness. Be pleased, therefore, most merciful God 
and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to pardon all 
our transgressions and grant us thy salvation. 

We bless thee, Lord, for all that thou hast 
done for us, and especially for our redemption 
through the bitter passion and death of thy beloved 
Son, Jesus Christ, who came into the world that we 
might have life and peace. We rejoice that we have 
heard the glad tidings of salvation, and are in- 
vited to partake of the blessings of the gospel 
without money and without price. Grant, there- 
fore, that all of us may receive the blessed Saviour 
into our hearts, that he may be made unto us wis- 
dom and righteousness, and sanctification, and re- 
demption. 

Vouchsafe unto us, we beseech Thee, thy pres- 
ence and blessing as we wait before thee in the 
services of thy house. Imbue us with a devout 
frame of mind, and enlighten us by thy Holy Spirit, 
that we may rightly understand thy Word, and re- 
ceive it with meekness and humility, that it may 
produce in us the fruits of holy living, to the praise 
of thy name. Renew us more and more in the 
image of thy dear Son, and grant that we, and all 
men. may obey thy good and perfect will as cheer- 
fully and faithfully as it is done by the angels in 
heaven. Provide all things needful for our comfort 



28 



LITURGY, OR ORDER OF WORSHIP 



and salvation, and cause whatever evils thou dost 
send upon us in this valley of tears to turn out to 
our advantage. 

Preserve and extend thy Church, God, through- 
out the whole world. Defend and shield her from 
the assaults of Satan and wicked men. Clothe thy 
ministering servants with power and salvation; and 
do thou greatly increase their number, so that the 
wilderness and solitary place shall be made glad, 
and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose. 

Especially do we beseech thee, O Lord, to bless 
and prosper that portion of thy Church with which 
we stand more immediately connected. Send down 
upon all our congregations the healthful influences 
of thy Spirit, and may thy cause greatly prosper 
amongst us. Bless all our institutions of learning, 
our colleges and seminaries, our periodicals, our 
boards of missions and education, and every agency 
employed for the upbuilding of thy Church and 
the full coming of thy kingdom, when the earth 
shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as 
the waters cover the sea. 

Look also, we beseech thee, with favor upon our 
land and nation. Preserve us from famine, war 
and pestilence, and from such sins as are a reproach 
to any people. Guide and direct our rulers, and all 
that are in authority, so that law and order, peace 
and harmony, may prevail throughout our borders- 
Let thy blessing rest upon the fruits of the earth in 
their seasons, that the wants of thy creatures may 
be abundantly provided for. Feed the hungry, 
clothe the naked, bind up the broken-hearted, and 
comfort the afflicted and oppressed, that all may 
find in thee a God supremely kind and good. 



FOR THE REFORMED CHURCH. 



29 



And now, O God and Father, as thou knowest 
our wants and desires better than we can make 
them known unto thee, and as we are not heard for 
our much speaking, we would leave ourselves in thy 
hands, humbly beseeching thee to do more and 
better for us than we are able to ask, or worthy to 
receive. And when the labors and trials of this 
life are ended, grant us all an abundant entrance 
into thy heavenly kingdom, through Jesus Christ, 
our Lord, to Whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, 
we will give all the praise and glory of our salva- 
tion, world without end. Amen. 

tracts Jif^r the S^rmxm* 
i. 

THE LORD'S PRAYER. 

OUE Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy 
name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done 
in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our 
daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we for- 
give our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, 
but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, 
and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 

II. 

ALMIGHTY God, we humbly beseech thee that 
the good seed of thy Word, now sown amongst 
us, may take such deep root that neither the cares of 
this world may choke it, nor the burning heat of 
3 



30 



LITURGY, OR ORDER OF WORSHIP 



affliction may cause it to wither; but that as good 
seed in good ground, it may bring forth fruit to thy 
praise. And because of our infirmity we can do 
nothing without thy help, and thou knowest how 
many and sore temptations surround us, let thy 
strength, Lord, sustain our weakness; let thy 
grace defend us from all assaults of evil. Increase 
our faith that we may never swerve from thy com- 
mandments. Increase in us hope, and love, 
and charity. Let no hardness of heart, no lusts of 
the flesh, no enticements of the world, cause us to 
wander from thy ways ; but so preserve and defend 
us in the path of life that we may attain unto the 
end of our faith, even the salvation of our souls. 
Our Father who art in heaven, &c. 

III. 

MOST merciful God and Father: we beseech 
thee, for the sake of Jesus Christ, thy Son, 
that as thou hast given us to hear the lively ora- 
cles of thy grace, thou wilt inwardly move our dull 
hearts ; and by the power of thy Holy Spirit write 
and seal in them that reverence and fear which 
thou requirest of thy people. Grant us faithful 
obedience to thy holy will, a steadfast faith in the 
merits of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, and a patient 
waiting for his glorious appearing at the last day. 
Our Father who art in heaven, &c. 

IV. 

ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, who hast per- 
mitted us once more to sing thy praise, to 



FOR THE REFORMED CHURCH. 



31 



hear thy Word, to enjoy the communion of saints, 
and to be encouraged to press forward in the Chris- 
tian race : we render thee hearty thanks for. this 
great mercy; and we do most humbly beseech thee 
that thy truth may be so grafted inwardly in our 
hearts that it may bring forth in us good fruit. De- 
fefnd us against all our enemies, and grant us thy 
heavenly grace, that being made partakers of thy 
holiness here, we may be admitted to the blessed- 
ness and glory of thy heavenly kingdom hereaf- 
ter, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Our Father who art in heaven, &c. 

Y. 

OGOD, our heavenly Father, we give thee hearty 
thanks, that we have been permitted again to 
enjoy the means of grace within thy courts. Do thou 
graciously accept the prayers and praises offered 
unto thee, through the infinite merits of our ever- 
living and adorable High Priest and Mediator, 
Jesus Christ; and so bless to our souls the preach- 
ing of thy Word, that it may accomplish that where- 
unto thou hast sent it, building up thy children in 
their most holy faith, and leading sinners to turn 
from the error of their ways unto thee, the living 
God. And may our fellowship with one another in 
thy Church on earth prove a cheering pledge and 
certain preparation for our eternal communion with 
thee, and with thy ransomed saints in heaven 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Our Father who art in heaven, &c. 



32 



LITURGY, OR ORDER OF WORSHIP 



RAJERS A N[D ©ARTICLES 

FOR THE FESTIVAL, DAYS. 



[Note. — These prayers take the place of the usual prayers be- 
fore, or after the sermon. The Canticles, taken from the Kevfchatel 
Agenda, of 1713, can be said or sung in place of the Invocation.] 

THE CANTICLE. 

SING unto the Lord a new song; and his praise 
from the end of the earth, ye that go down to 
the sea, and all that is therein. Let the wilderness 
and the cities thereof lift up their voice ; let the 
inhabitants of the rock sing, let them shout from 
the tops of the mountains. Let them give glory 
unto the Lord, and declare his praise among the 
heathen. 

The Lord hath comforted his people; he hath 
made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all nations: 
and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation 
of our God. 

Say to the daughter of Zion, behold, thy salva- 
tion cometh ; behold, his reward is with him, and 
his work before him. Fear thou not; for I am with 
thee : be not dismayed ; for I am thy God : I will 
strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee. Unto you 
that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness 
arise with healing in his wings. 



FOR THE REFORMED CHURCH. 



33 



The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all 
flesh shall see it. Death shall be swallowed up in 
victory, and God shall wipe away all tears from our 
eyes. And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is 
our God ; we have waited for him, we will be glad 
and rejoice in his salvation. 

Sanctify and prepare yourselves to look upon 
the glory of our God; for the Lord cometh. Pre- 
pare ye the way of the Lord, and make his paths 
straight; let us serve him with gladness, and come 
before his presence with singing. Blessed is he 
that cometh in the name of the Lord. 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to 
the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now, 
and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 



LMIGHTY and ever-faithful God, who, by the 



xJL mouth of thy prophets and holy men of old, 
didst promise the Advent of thy Son, our Lord and 
Saviour J esus Christ, the Desire of all nations, the 
Hope of Israel, the Redeemer of the world : aid us, 
we beseech thee, at this time, to repent heartily 
and truly of all our sins, and so to humble ourselves 
before thee that we may be prepared to receive 
him with gladness, and to join in the cry: Hosan- 
na to the Son of David! Blessed is he that cometh 
in the name of the Lord! 

O Lord Jesus Christ, who, by thy holy angels, 
didst declare that thou wouldst come again in like 
manner as thou wast taken from us eve so come 



PRAYER. 



I. 




34 



LITURGY, OR ORDER OF WORSHIP 



we beseech thee, and fulfill the desire of thy Church 
Lord, we wait for thee, day by day. Grant us the 
grace of thy Holy Spirit, that we be not unready 
when thou appearest. Grant us watchfulness, that 
our loins may be girded about, and our lights burn- 
ing. Grant us zeal, that we be not slothful, but 
followers of them that inherit thy promises. Grant 
us singleness of heart, that we be not unfaithful 
stewards of thy manifold gifts. 

And thus, O Lord, may we wait for thee: not 
unwise, but understanding what is thy will: ever 
walking circumspectly, because the days are evil, 
Amen. 

II. 

ALMIGHTY and most merciful God: we give 
thee unfeigned" thanks, that thou hast fulfilled 
thine ancient promises, and sent into our world 
thine only begotten Son, the longed-for Deliverer 
and Kedeemer, to rescue his people from sin and 
from death. The desire of the fathers has been ful- 
filled, and the expectation of the just has been 
turned into joy. 

Though the mountains depart, and the hills be 
removed, yet thy kindness has not departed from 
us, neither has the covenant of thy peace been re- 
moved. 

Lord Jesus Christ, the same yesterday and 
to-day, and forever, who hast come as a Redeemer 
of sinners, we rejoice before thee and magnify 
thine infinite love. Thou bringest good tidings to 
the poor, health to the broken-hearted, deliverance 
to the captives, sight to the blind, liberty to them 



FOR THE REFORMED CHURCH. 



35 



that are bruised, and dost proclaim unto all the 
acceptable year of the Lord. Blessed is he that 
cometh in the name of the Lord ! 

Send down, ^ve beseech thee, new measures of 
grace upon this congregation, and upon all thy be- 
lieving people. Arise in our hearts as the Sun of 
righteousness, with healing in his wings, that this 
year may be for us all a year of rich gifts from on 
high. Come, as thou hast promised, and be this 
day in our midst, and as often as we are assembled 
in thy name. Through the power of thy Spirit 
prepare the way for thyself, now and always, and 
make straight thy paths'; that thy people may ever 
acknowledge thee to be their King, and serve thee 
in innocency and righteousness, until thou come 
again at that great day, with all the holy angels, 
and we behold thy face in glory. Amen. 



Christmas* 

THE CANTICLE. 

BEHOLD, I bring you good tidings of great joy; 
for unto you is born this day a Saviour, which 
is Christ the Lord. 

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth 
peace, good will toward men. Unto us a child is 
born; unto us a Son is given, and the government 
is upon his shoulder. And his name is Wonderful, 
Counselor, the Mighty God", the Everlasting Father, 
the Prince of Peace. 

God hath remembered his covenant, and sent 



36 LITURGY, OR ORDER OF WORSHIP 

salvation to his people. When the fullness of time 
had come God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, 
made under the law, that we might receive the 
adoption of sons. Israel is saved by the Lord, with 
an everlasting salvation. 

This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in 
our eyes. This is the day the Lord hath made; we 
will rejoice and be glad in it. Behold, now is the 
accepted time ! Behold, now is the day of salva- 
tion ! Say among the heathen that the Lord reign- 
eth. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be 
glad; for he shall judge the world with righteous- 
ness, and the people with his truth. Blessed is he 
that cometh in the name of the Lord! Blessed be 
the kingdom of our father David ! Hosanna in the 
highest! 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to 
the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now, 
and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 

PRAYER. 

L 

ETERNAL and most merciful God, we give thee 
hearty thanks for the great love wherewith 
thou didst love us, even before the foundations of 
the world were laid. Thou didst graciously pity us, 
who, as sinners, were doomed to eternal death, and 
didst ordain thine only-begotten Son to be our Medi- 
ator, Atonement and Savior, that through him we 
might attain unto the hope of everlasting life 
When our first parents fell thou didst promise that 
the seed of the woman should bruise the serpent's 



FOR THE REFORMED CHURCH. 



37 



head. To Abraham thou didst declare that in his 
seed should all the families of the earth be blessed. 
In thy law thou didst reveal wonderful types and 
figures of the Christ that was to come. By thy 
prophets thou didst plainly foretell the sufferings 
of our Redeemer, and the glory that should follow. 
Thou didst also, in a marvelous manner, prepare his 
way among the kingdoms of the earth. We praise 
thee, we bless thee, we glorify thee, that at the ap- 
pointed time he came into the world; that he as- 
sumed our flesh and blood ; that he became our 
Brother, and in all things was made like unto us, 
sin excepted. We praise thee that by his death he 
destroyed him who had the power of death, and 
that he hath delivered us from the bondage of dark- 
ness, and translated us into the kingdom of light 
and eternal happiness. 

We beseech thee, Lord, to grant us such rich 
abundance of thy grace, that we may truly under- 
stand this, thy love and mercy, and that we may 
rightly know Jesus Christ, thy Son, whom thou hast 
made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanc- 
tification, and redemption. May we sincerely love 
and honor him, wholly give ourselves up to him, 
heartily confide in him, and count all things but 
loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus 
Christ. And so may we with true faith ever cling 
unto this Saviour, who forgiveth all our sins, and 
healeth all our iniquities, that we may rejoice in all 
the tribulations of this life, and with the heavenly 
host be able to say: Glory to God in the highest, 
and on earth peace, good will toward men! until 
4 



38 



LITURGY, OR ORDER OF WORSHIP 



we finally attain unto the end of our faith, even the 
salvation of our souls. 

And we beseech Thee to fill all lands with thy 
praise, and to let the light of thy gospel shine upon 
all nations. From the rising of the sun even unto 
its going down, bring in thy redeemed to the blessed 
inheritance of the saints in light, where, to the 
praise and glory of thy name, we shall unite with 
the heavenly multitude, sajing: Alleluia, for the 
Lord God omnipotent reigneth! Amen. 

II. 

GLOKY be to God on high, and on earth peace, 
good will toward men. Unto us a child is 
born, unto us a Son is given; unto us is born this 
day a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 

O God, our Father in heaven, we thank thee, we 
praise thee, we glorify thee, for thy great mercy to 
us sinners, in sending thy beloved Son into the 
world, that whosoever believeth in him might not 
perish, but have everlasting life. 

O blessed Son of God, we praise thee, we glorify 
thee, who didst condescend to take our nature into 
union with thy divine nature, that we might be 
saved by thee. 

O God, the Holy Ghost, we praise and glorify 
thee, by whom the Word became flesh, and dwelt 
among us. 

O God, our Father, Redeemer, and Sanctifier, we 
bless thee, we praise thee, we glorify thee, that thou 
hastfulfilled thine ancient promises; that He is come, 
the seed of the woman, who hath bruised the head 



FOR THE REFORMED CHURCH. 



39 



of the serpent; that he is come, in whom all the 
families of the earth are blessed; that he is come 
whose name is Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty 
God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. 

Grant us joy this day, that in childlike faith we 
may receive and adore the new-born King; that we 
may offer him the tribute of our hearts; that we 
may discern, his glory, the glory as of the only- 
begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth; 
that he may be born in us by the power of the Holy 
Ghost; and that by his grace we may be able to 
overcome all the adversities of this present life, so 
that we may attain at last to the abiding joys of 
the world to come. 

We beseech thee, most merciful God, to ex- 
tend by thy ministering servants the glad tidings 
of this great joy to the uttermost parts of the earth. 
Let the Day-spring from on high visit every nation, 
to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the 
shadow of death, and to guide their feet in the way 
of peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord: to whom, 
with Thee, and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and 
praise, world without end. Amen. 



PRAYER. 

ALMIGHTY and Eternal God: of old hast thou 
laid the foundations of the earth; and the 
heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall per- 



40 



LITURGY, OR ORDER OF WORSHIP 



ish, but thou shall endure ; yea, all of them shall 
wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou 
change them, and they shall be changed. But thou 
art the same, and thy years shall have no end. 

O God, our Creator and Preserver, we praise 
thee that thou hast mercifully brought us to the 
beginning of another year. Thou alone knowest 
which of us will be spared to see its close. So 
keep us in thy fear, and sustain us by thy grace, 
that whether we live or die we may be thine. En- 
able us to put off the old man, which is corrupt 
according to the deceitful lusts, that we may be 
renewed in the spirit of our mind, and put on the 
new man, which after God is created in righteous- 
ness and true holiness. Behold, thou hast made 
our days as a hand-breadth, and our age as noth- 
ing before thee. So teach us to number our days 
that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. We 
are but pilgrims and strangers, and have no abiding 
city here. Direct our desires toward the city which 
hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 

And, Lord, as thy blessed Son obeyed the law 
for us, by being circumcised in the flesh, that he 
might become the righteous head of our nature, and 
enable us to obey thee ; grant that we, having hope 
in him, may purify ourselves even as he is pure? 
that we may become circumcised in heart, and in- 
wardly purged from all carnal affections, so that we 
may offer ourselves unto thee a living sacrifice) 
holy and acceptable, through Jesus Christ. Grant 
that this year, and all our liveslong, we may grow 
in grace, and in the knowledge of thy Son our Re- 
deemer. And when our appointed time is finished 



FOR THE REFORMED CHURCH. 



41 



do thou take us hence to thy kingdom of glory; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is the same 
yesterday, to-day. and forever. Amen. 



iSrO-O-A fnrlaij, 

THE CANTICLE. 

C HEIST, our Passover, was offered for us. He was 
delivered for our offenses. He bore our sins in 
his own body on the tree, and the Lord laid on him 
the iniquity of us all. His soul was sorrowful, even 
unto death. He was brought as a lamb to the 
slaughter. He humbled himself, and became obe- 
dient unto death, even the death of the cross. He 
was taken from prison and from judgment. He 
was cut off out of the land of the living. 

Sing praises unto our God and the Lamb, and 
say: Thou wast slain and hast redeemed us out of 
every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation. 
Thou hast made us unto our God. kings and priests. 
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, 
and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, 
and glory, and blessing, for ever and ever. 

All creatures which are in heaven, and on the 
earth, ascribe blessing and honor unto him that 
sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. Now 
is come salvation and strength, and the kingdom of 
our God, and the power of his Christ. 

If God be for us who can be against us? He 
spared not his only-begotten Son. but delivered him 
up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely 
give us all things ? 



42 



LITURGY, OR ORDER OF WORSHIP 



Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our 
sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and 
priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory 
and dominion for ever and ever. 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to 
the Holy Ghost ; which is, and which was, and 
which is to come, God over all, blessed for ever 
more. Amen. 

PRAYERS. 

I. 

OLORD Jesus Christ, eternal Son of God, our 
blessed Redeemer, grant us grace, we beseech 
thee, that we may ever look up steadfastly unto thee 
who wast delivered unto death as a sacrifice for 
our sins. Lamb of God, that takes t away the 
sin of the world, grant us thy peace, even that, 
peace of pardon and acceptance which thou didst 
purchase by thy bitter death for all thy people. 
O thou holy and spotless Lamb of God, who wast 
slain for us, we unite with all around thy throne in 
ascribing unto thee power, and riches, and wisdom, 
and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. 
We bless thee for all the burdens thou didst bear, 
for the precious blood thou didst shed, for every 
word of comfort thou didst speak from the cross, 
and for thine eternal victory over the terrors of 
death, and the pains of hell. 

O Saviour of the world, who, by thy bitter 
passion and death, hast redeemed us, save us, and 
help us, we beseech thee. 



FOR THE REFORMED CHURCH. 



43 



Most merciful Father, who, of thy tender mercy 
toward mankind, didst send thy Son to take upon 
him our flesh, and to suffer death upon the cross; 
fill us this day with such a deep sense of the great- 
ness of our sin that we may unfeignedly thank and 
bless thee for the love wherewith thou didst love 
us in Christ our Lord. Grant that we, being en- 
grafted in him by thy Spirit, and being made par- 
takers of the benefits of his sufferings and his 
death, may crucify the corrupt inclinations of the 
flesh, may die daily unto the world, and lead holy 
and unblamable lives. Help us to cleave to his 
cross in all the trials and temptations of life, in pros- 
perity and in adversity, in health and in sickness, 
and especially in the agonies of death, that we may 
finally become partakers also of his resurrection 
and ascension, and of his glory at the right hand of 
God, the Father. And unto him that hath loved 
us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood; 
to him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 

II. 

OLORD Jesus Christ, thou holy and spotless Son 
of God, we heartily thank thee for thy sorrow 
and anguish of heart, thy pains and wounds, thy 
holy passion and thy bitter death. Thou didst come 
into the world to save sinners, and such, Lord, are 
we. Thou didst come unto thine own, but thine own 
received thee not. Our griefs and our sorrows were 
laid upon thee and thou didst bear them all. 

Thou didst reward hatred with love, cruelty with 
compassion. Thou didst willingly deliver up thy- 



LITURGY, OR ORDER OF WORSHIP 



self to scorn and reproach. As a lamb led to the 
slaughter is dumb, so thou openedst not thy 
mouth. Even on the cross, thou didst open the 
gates of Paradise to the malefactor, and didst make 
intercession for the transgressors. 

O Lord Jesus Christ, we bless thee for thine in- 
finite love to us. We thank thee that thou didst 
suffer thyself to be bound, that we might become 
free; that thou didst suffer thyself to be accused, 
that we might be acquitted, and to be reviled, that 
we might not be put to shame. We thank thee that 
thou didst wear the crown of thorns, that we might 
receive the crown of righteousness; that thou didst 
suffer thyself to be clothed in purple, that we might 
be arrayed in the white robe of salvation. Praise 
be to thee that thou, the Prince of Life, didst bow 
thy head in death, that we might be raised in thee 
to life and immortality. Lord, our Saviour and 
Redeemer, the sin that brought thee to the cross 
also dwelleth in us. We acknowledge our unright- 
eousness; we do not cloak our sins before thee. 
Death hath passed upon us, because we all have 
sinned. We confess, Lord, with shame and con- 
fusion of face, that our sins also brought thee to 
the cross. 

Have mercy upon us. Eternal, compassionate 
High Priest, have mercy upon us. Forgive us our 
sins for the sake of thy death. Wash us thoroughly 
from all our uncleanness. May the remembrance 
of thy bitter sufferings be always present to us, 
that we may never forget the price of our redemp- 
tion. Let a glance at thy cross make us tremble at 
every sin, and keep alive in our hearts the flame of 
love and thankfulness. 



FOR THE REFORMED CHURCH. 



45 



All praise, all glory be unto thee, Lord Jesus 
Christ, who, with the Father, and the Holy Spirit, 
livest and reignest one God for ever more. Amen. 



$ast#r Slay* 

THE CANTICLE. 

C HEIST, our Passover, has risen. He was dead 5 
and behold he is alive for ever more, and hath 
the keys of hell and of death. 

Christ, our Passover, was dead, a sacrifice for 
our sins. Therefore we keep the feast no more 
with the leaven of malice and wickedness ; but with 
the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 

Christ is risen from the dead, and henceforth 
dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over 
him. He died unto sin once, but now he liveth 
unto God; the Prince of Life could not be holden 
of death. 

God did not leave his soul in the grave, nor suf- 
fer his Holy One to see corruption. He was dead, 
and behold he is alive again, and hath the keys of 
hell and of death. 

Christ is risen, the first fruits of them that slept. 
Since by man came death, by man came also the 
resurrection of the dead; and as in Adam all die, 
even so in Christ shall all be made alive, at his 
coming. 

Heath is swallowed up for ever! Death, 
where is thy sting ? O Grave, where is thy victory? 



46 



LITURGY, OR ORDER OF WORSHIP 



Thanks be unto God, which giveth us the victory, 
through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to 
the Holy Ghost ; as it was in the beginning, is now, 
and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 

prayers. 
I. 

ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, we render 
thee praise and thanksgiving that thou gavest 
thy dear Son to die for our sins, and to rise again for 
our justification; to overcome for us all our ene- 
mies, death, sin, the world and the devil, and to 
restore unto us righteousness and life. 

Glory be to thy name, that Christ, our Passover, 
is risen; that though he was dead, yet behold, he 
is alive for ever more. We beseech thee, most 
merciful Father, by the power of thy Holy Spirit 
to raise us more and more from the death of sin 
unto newness of life, that we may experience in 
our souls the power of the resurrection of Christ 
Jesus ; that day by day we may be more and more 
closely united to him, until finalty, when the last 
trumpet -shall sound, our mortal bodies shall also 
be raised from the dust, and be made like unto his 
glorious body, and, together with our spirits, dwell 
forever with him in eternal joy and blessedness. 

Praise be to thee, O Prince of Life, that thou art 
risen indeed. Praise be to thee, who wast dead, 
and art alive for ever more. Praise be to thee, who 
didst lay down thy life for us, and didst take it 
again, having overcome death for us. Praise be to 



FOR THE REFORMED CHURCH. 



47 



thee, who hast abolished death, and brought life 
and immortality to light. Praise be to thee, who 
art the Resurrection and the Life ; in whom, if any 
man believe, though he be dead, yet shall he live; 
and whosoever liveth and believeth in him shall 
never die. Because thou livest, we shall live also. 
We know that our Redeemer liveth, and that he 
shall stand at the latter day upon the earth ; and 
that, though worms shall destroy this body, yet in 
our flesh shall we see God. Therefore we are glad 
and rejoice in thee. Thou wilt show us the path 
of life; in thy presence is fullness of joy, and at 
thy right hand are pleasures for ever more. 

Grant us, O most merciful Father, that we may 
also be risen with Christ; that our hearts and minds 
may be above, where Christ sitteth at thy right 
hand. For we are dead, and our life is hid with 
Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall 
appear, then may we also appear with him in glory. 

God of peace, that didst bring again from the 
dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the 
sheep, through the blood of the everlasting cove- 
nant, make us perfect in every good work, to do 
thy will, working in us that which is well pleasing 
in thy sight, through Jesus Christ: to whom be 
glory for ever and ever. Amen. 

II. 

MOST merciful God and Father, we praise and 
magnify thee that thou hast raised from the 
dead thy beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, and 
hast crowned him with honor and glory at thy 



48 



LITURGY, OR ORDER OF WORSHIP 



right hand in heaven, and hast made him the living 
head of his Church for ever. We call upon our 
souls, and all that is within us, to bless thee for that 
infinite love wherewith thou hast loved us in Christ 
Jesus, our risen Lord. When we were dead in 
trespasses and sins, thou didst awaken us to life in 
him; and thou hast made us to sit with him in 
heavenly places. 

Praise be to thee, blessed Lord, that thou wast 
dead, and now art alive for ever more. Speak, 
risen Lord, by thy Spirit, words of eternal life to 
our souls, and say unto us: Because I live, ye shall 
live also; that we may arise with thee to newness 
of life, and through faith become partakers of thy 
great victory, and all the glorious fruits of thy 
death and resurrection. Henceforth may we no 
longer live unto ourselves, but alone unto thee. 
Have mercy upon all men who have not felt in 
their souls the power of thy resurrection, and are 
yet dead in their sins. Speak by thy Holy Spirit 
unto their consciences: Awake thou that sleepest, 
arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee 
light. 

O merciful Saviour, who by thy resurrection 
hast brought life and joy into the world; grant unto 
all who are in sorrow and temptation thy heavenly 
peace, that they may have true comfort in thee, 
and be enabled patiently to wait for thy salvation. 
Have mercy upon all who are wrestling with dis- 
ease and death, and enable them, with assured con- 
fidence, to say: I know that my Redeemer liveth. 

O Lord, when we shall be called to pass through 
the dark valley, may thy resurrection be to our 



FOR THE REFORMED CHURCH. 



49 



faith a sure pledge that for us also there is laid up 
an inheritance, incorruptible, and undefiled, and 
that fadeth not away, reserved in the heavens. 

O Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and through 
him also our Father; the God of all peace, who hast 
brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that 
great Shepherd of the sheep ; we beseech thee to 
make us perfect in every good work, to do thy holy 
will, working in us that which is well pleasing in thy 
sight, through Jesus Christ: to whom, with Thee, 
and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world 
without end. Amen. 



THE CANTICLE. 

THE Lord said unto my Lord, sit thou at my 
right hand, until I make thine enemies thy 
footstool. The Lord shall send the rod of thy 
strength out of Zion, and say: Kule thou in the 
midst of thine enemies ! The Lord hath sworn, 
and will not repent: Thou art a priest for ever 
after the order of Melchisedek. 

O clap your hands, all ye people! Shout unto 
God with the voice of triumph! God is gone up 
with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trum- 
pet, Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye 
lifted up, ye everlasting doors ; and the King of 
Glory shall come in. Who is this King of Glory? 
The Lord strong and mighty, he is the King of 
Glory. 



50 



LITURGY, OR ORDER OF WORSHIP 



Sing praises to God; and unto our King, sing 
praises! For he is the King of all the earth; God 
reigneth over the heathen; he sitteth upon the 
throne of his holiness. Let all the world bow down 
before him, and all the angels of God worship him. 

Thy throne, God, is for ever and ever; the 
sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. Thou 
lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness ; there- 
fore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil 
of gladness above thy fellows. Thou hast ascended 
on high : Thou hast led captivity captive : Thou 
hast received gifts for men: Thou hast entered into 
thy Father's house, to prepare a mansion for us. 

Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's 
elect? It is God that ju stifle th. Who is he that 
condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea, rather 
that is risen again, who is even at the right hand 
of God, who also maketh intercession for us! 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to 
the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, 
and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 

PRAYER. 

L 

OGOD our heavenly Father, who, through the 
Resurrection and Ascension of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, hast opened the kingdom of heaven to all 
believers ; we bless thee, that from the depth of hu- 
miliation thou hast exalted him on high, and hast 
given him a name which is above every name : that 
at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, and 
every tongue confess, that he is Lord, to the glory 



FOR THE REFORMED CHURCH. 



51 



of thine adorable grace. Grant, O Lord, that we also, 
turning away our eyes from the vanities here below, 
may stand continually looking after him into heaven; 
and heartily expecting his appearance thence ; gain 
at the last day, may always be ready to obey his 
call, and meet him in the clouds, and follow him 
into those blissful mansions, which he has gone to 
prepare, for all his people, at thy right hand for ever 
more. 

Lord Jesus Christ, who, after thy most glori- 
ous resurrection, in the sight of thy holy apostles, 
didst ascend up into heaven, and art at the right 
hand of God; we praise thee that thou, in our na- 
ture, hast entered into the glory which thou hadst 
before the world was. We praise thee, that by thy 
perfect obedience and atoning death, thou hast 
rendered us acceptable unto the Father. Thou, 
Christ, art the Prince of Peace, and the King of 
Glory! Thou art our Brother in the flesh, but 
our God in the Spirit. Thou art preparing a place 
for those that are thine. Prepare us also, we be- 
seech thee, for that holy abode. Thou art waiting 
until all things be put under thy feet. Subdue us 
unto thyself, casting down every high thought, and 
conforming our wills entirely to thine own ; until 
we shall be finally translated to the fullness of joy, 
at thy right hand, where we shall, with all thine 
elect, join in the ascriptions of praise: Blessing 
and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that 
sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, for 
ever and ever. Amen. 



52 



LITURGY, OR ORDER OF WORSHIP 



II. • 

ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, we give 
thee most hearty thanks, that thou hast raised 
our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead, and hast ex- 
alted him on high, to be a Prince and a Saviour. 
Grant us thy heavenly inspiration, that we may 
worthily praise thy great name, which, by the ex- 
altation of Jesus Christ thou hast made glorious in 
all lands. Draw us by thy grace into closer fellow- 
ship with thy dear Son, who, though now exalted 
on high, is not ashamed to be called our Brother. 

O Lord Jesus Christ, our eternal High Priest, 
who hast entered into the Holy of Holies to appear 
in the presence of God for us ; mercifully remember 
us, we beseech thee, and when we fall into sin, do 
thou, as our Mediator, intercede for us with the 
Father. O thou King of Glory, abide and rule in 
our hearts. Make us, by thy Spirit, able to serve 
thee with fear and gladness. Bend our stubborn 
wills beneath thy easy yoke ; strengthen us against 
sin; and till our souls with a holy desire to ascend 
on high, where thou hast gone before us. 

Lord, our Redeemer and King, Giver of all 
heavenly gifts; grant us out of thy fullness grace 
for grace. Let thy heavenly blessing rest upon us 
as a nation; upon rulers and people, that thy name 
may be glorified. Protect, enlarge and establish 
thy Holy Church in all the earth, and especially in 
our midst. Fill thy servants in the ministry with 
power from on high, that they may preach thy 
holy Word in all purity and truth. Awaken the 
impenitent and careless; cause them to lift their 



FOR THE REFORMED CHURCH. 



53 



eyes on high, to the heavenly land of promise, that 
they may gladly renounce the service of this world, 
to walk in the narrow way that leadeth unto eter- 
nal life. 

Blessed Saviour, Son of the living God, who 
hast thyself entered into glory through many sor- 
rows, have mercy upon us when we are bowed 
down by any cross or tribulation. Enable us to 
fight the good fight of faith, and to lay hold on 
eternal life. Comfort with thy Spirit all such, as 
are sick, or in sore temptation. Hear their sighs, 
as by faith they look heavenward. And in the hour 
of death, when our mortal eyes shall close on these 
earthly scenes, help us with the eye of faith 
to look upward, and with Stephen of old to see 
the heavens opened, and Jesus sitting upon the 
throne of glory; to whom, with the Father and the 
Holy Spirit, be all honor and praise, world without 
end. Amen. 



THE CANTICLE. 

LET us praise the Lord, and exalt his goodness. 
Let us come before him with songs of praise, 
and hymns of thanksgiving! God hath raised up 
his holy child Jesus, who being by his right hand 
exalted, shed forth the promise of the Holy Ghost 
upon the apostles, so that they spake with new 
tongues, and wrought signs and wonders in his 
name. He gave power to the testimony. of his ser- 
vants. The kingdoms of the earth, the people and 
5 



54 



LITURGY, OR ORDER OF WORSHIP 



nations, have heard his voice, and have rendered 
obedience unto our Lord and to his Christ. 

We render thanks unto thee, Lord, who art 
the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, that 
thou hast revealed thy power, and entered upon 
thy kingdom. 

We praise thee, that, according to thy promise, 
thou hast sent unto us the Comforter, even the 
Spirit of truth, that he may abide with us forever. 
Because we are thy children, thou hast sent the 
Spirit of thy Son into our hearts, whereby we cry: 
Abba, Father! It is the Spirit which witnesseth 
with our spirits, that we are the children of God. 

The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities, and with 
groanings which can not be uttered, maketh inter- 
cession for us, who wait for the redemption of our 
body, and for the manifestation of the glorious 
liberty of the sons of God. 

The Spirit is the earnest and pledge of our in- 
heritance ; whereby also we are sealed unto the 
day of redemption. O Lord, we praise thee, and 
render thee thanks, that thou hast given us the 
Spirit. 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to 
the Holy Ghost: as it was in the beginning, is now, 
and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 

PRAYERS. 

I. 

OMOST merciful God, and Father of our Lord 
Jesus Christ: we heartily praise thee, that 
thou hast sent forth the promised Comforter, the 



FOR THE REFORMED CHURCH. 55 

Holy Spirit, into the world, and that thou hast given 
him unto us as a pledge of our heavenly inherit- 
ance. Pour out more and more, we beseech thee, 
over thy Church, purchased with the blood of 
Christ, this Spirit of power and grace. Establish 
thy kingdom in our hearts, lead us out of darkness 
into light, out of the service of sin into the glorious 
liberty of the children of God. 

We praise thee, God the Holy Ghost, that 
thou hast graciously come into the world, to renew 
and sanctify the hearts and spirits of all thy people. 
Descend upon us this day, and always abide with 
us. Enrich thy believing children with new meas- 
ures of thy gifts. Awaken those amongst us that 
yet sleep, and are dead in sin, to newness of life in 
Christ Jesus our Lord. Glorify thyself in us, ac- 
cording to the riches of thy grace. Aid us in our 
weakness. Grant us an earnest desire after the 
grace of God. Strengthen us daily in all conflicts 
with the spirit of this world. Teach us to watch 
and pray, that we enter not into temptation, and 
grant us the assurance, that we are members of 
the body of Christ, and children of God. 

God of all grace and comfort, we beseech 
thee to cause thy light to shine in all the earth, and 
especially to remember in mercy the nations that 
yet sit in darkness and the shadow of death. Make 
bare thy holy arm, and call men everywhere to re- 
pentance. Bless thy Word, and add to the Church 
daily such as shall be saved. May thy whole Church 
be filled with thy grace, and thus become the true 
image of thy kingdom above. Be thou the strong 



56 . LITURGY, OR ORDER OF WORSHIP 

bond of union among all believers. Bring us all 
in the unity of the faith to one body in Christ our 
Head, until finally the promise be fulfilled, and 
there shall be one fold and one Shepherd, and God 
shall be all in all. Amen. 

II. 

OLOKD, our heavenly Father, we bless and 
adore thee, that thou hast visited thy people 
with salvation, and hast given us thy blessed Son 
to be our Redeemer from sin and from death. We 
praise thee, that thou hast raised him from the 
grave, and exalted him on high, to be a Prince and 
a Saviour. Thou hast fulfilled thy promise, and be- 
stowed upon us the gift of thy Holy Spirit. Be- 
hold the Spirit of promise has come to us. 

Praise be to thee, O God the Son, that thou hast 
ascended up on high; that thou hast led captivity 
captive ; that thou hast received gifts for men ; and 
that thou hast sent forth upon thy people and 
Church the Holy Spirit of grace and of comfort to 
abide with us for forever. 

O God the Holy Ghost, proceeding from the 
Father and the Son, who on this day didst come 
down in thy fullness on the Church ; fulfill in our 
hearts also, we beseech thee, thy mission of love. 
Thou art the Spirit of light and of truth : lead us 
into all truth, that we may rightly know and hearti- 
ly love it. Thou art the Spirit of prayer and sup- 
plication: teach us to pray, and do thou thyself 
make intercession for us with groanings that can 
not be uttered. Thou art the Spirit of power and 



FOR THE REFORMED CHURCH. 



57 



of life: nourish and strengthen in us the new life, 
and assist us by thy might, that in all our tempta- 
tions we may be able to stand firm and unmoved, 
supported continually by thy grace. Thou art the 
Spirit of holiness: sanctify us wholly in spirit, in 
soul and body, that we may not fulfill the lusts of 
the flesh, or of the mind, but walk in thy fellowship, 
in all holy love and obedience. 

Holy Ghost, the Comforter, forsake us not. 
Suffer us not to grieve thee; to be deaf to thy 
voice; to be insensible to thy sanctifying in- 
fluences; much less to quench thee. Abide with 
us always, so that we may rejoice in thy consola- 
tion, and having finished our course, may attain 
at last unto the resurrection of the just. 

O God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, we bless 
thee for the firm establishment of thy Holy Church 
upon the earth; for the means of grace, and for the 
hope of glory. And we beseech thee still, as on 
the day of Pentecost, to reveal thy power and thy 
grace among men. Let thy way be known upon 
the earth, thy saving health among all nations. 
Eaise up laborers, and strengthen their hands, that 
they may tell of thy salvation unto the ends of the 
world. Hasten the time. God. for the coming of 
thine everlasting kingdom, and for the gathering of 
all nations unto thee: through Jesus Christ our 
Lord, to whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be 
honor and glory, world without end. Amen. 



58 



LITURGY, OR ORDER OF WORSHIP 



Trinity* 

THE CANTICLE. 

For the Canticle, take the Te Deum Zavdamt/s, given in the Ancient 
Liturgical Forms. 

PRAYER. 

OGOD, the Father Almighty, thou art God 
alone. Before the mountains were brought 
forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the 
world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou 
art God. Thou art the Father of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all 
comfort. We bless thee that thou hast called us 
with a high and heavenly calling, and hast begotten 
us anew unto a lively hope by the resurrection of 
Jesus Christ from the dead. Grant us grace to re- 
ceive him, to hear his voice, to obey and follow 
him, and to love him with all our heart. 

O Lord Jesus Christ, eternal Son of the eternal 
Father, God of God, Light of Light, Life of Life; 
aid us by faith to lay hold of the mystery of thy 
deep humiliation, thy immaculate birth, thy bitter 
and shameful death on the cross, thy glorious resur- 
rection, and thy triumphant ascension and exalta- 
tion at the right hand of the Father; that so we 
may be enabled to watch continually with joy for 
thy second coming in the clouds of heaven, to judge 
the quick and the dead 

O Holy Spirit, proceeding from the Father and 
the Son, the Giver of life and the Spirit of all com- 



FOR THE REFORMED CHURCH. 



59 



fort, illuminate our hearts, and teach us all things 
necessary for our salvation. Sanctify us wholly, in 
body, soul, and spirit. Strengthen us in all tempta- 
tions, comfort us in all our sorrows, remain with us 
always, and unite us more and more with our living 
Head, until at last we attain unto the stature of 
perfect men in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

holy, adorable and blessed Trinity, Father, 
Son, and Holy Ghost, the only, true, eternal God ; 
guard, defend, and uphold thy Church in all parts 
of the earth, and bring us all, in thine own good 
time, out of the waves of this troublesome world, to 
the glad shores of everlasting life, through our Lord 
and Saviour Jesus Christ; to whom, with the 
Father, and the Holy Ghost, be glory and honor, 
world without end. Amen. 



|rajers ap ^criptup Lessons 



OR^ DAY S OF PUBLIC PRAYER, FASTING, 
HUMILIATION, 8jC. 

SCRIPTURE LESSONS. 
Special Occasions. 

Dent. iv. 23-41 ; Deut. xxxii. ; Lev. xxvi. 14-46 s 
Isaiah i. 10-27 ; Isaiah iii., xxxiv, lviii. ; Jer. vii. 
1-20 ; Psalms xliv., li., lx., lxxiv., lxxix., cv., cvi., 
cxxxvii. ; Ezek. xviii. 20-22 ; Daniel ix. 1-19 ; Obad. 
i. ; Jonah iii. ; Neh. ix. ; Matt. iii. 1-12 ; Matt. xxiv. ; 
Matt. xxi. 28-46 ; Luke xiii. 22-35 ; Luke xviii. 
1-14; Luke xv. 11-32; Heb. iii.; Rev. vi., viii. 

In Times of Pestilence. 

Exod. viii. 9-10; Num. xvi. 44-50; 2 Sam. xxiv.; 
2 Kings v.; John v. 1-16 ; Psalms vi., xlix., xc, xci. 

In Times of Famine. 

Exod. xvi.; Exod. xvii. 1-18; 1 Kings xviii.; 
2 Kings iv. 1-8 ; 2 Kings vii. ; Jer. xiv. ; John vii. 
5-14. 

In Times of "War. 

Gen. vi. ; Deut. xx. ; Exod. xvii. 8-16 ; Joshua 
x. 6-14; 2 Chron. xx. 1-22; 1 Thess. v.; 2 Tim. iv. ; 
Psalms ii., vii., xvii., xx., xxvi., xxvii., xxxv., lxvi., 
lxxix., xci., cxxiv., cxliv. 



FOR FASTING, HUMILIATION, ETC. 



61 



PRAYERS. 



I. 



LMIGHTY" and most merciful God, we acknowl- 



fLX. edge ourselves unworthy to lift up our eyes 
to heaven; for our consciences accuse us, and our 
sins witness against us ; and we know that thou art 
a righteous Judge, that must needs punish them 
that transgress thy law. Lord, when we look 
back and examine our whole life, we find nothing 
in ourselves that deserves any other reward than 
eternal condemnation. But since thou hast com- 
manded us in all times of necessity, to call upon 
thee, and hast promised to hear our prayers, not 
for any merit of our own, for we have none, but for 
the merits of thy Son, whom thou hast ordained to 
be our only Mediator and Advocate, therefore, 
casting aside all confidence in man, we flee to the 
throne of thy mercy alone. 

O Lord, we lament and bewail our past unthank- 
fulness toward thee. We acknowledge that thou 
hast bestowed upon us great and manifold mercies. 
Thou hast released us from the hard servitude of 
Satan. Thou hast preserved us from gross idolatry, 
and hast blessed us with the clear and comforta- 
ble light of thy blessed Word., But we, unmindful 
of these, thy loving kindnesses, have neglected thy 
commandments, have abused the knowledge of thy 
gospel, have followed our own devices, and through 
our sinful lives have failed suitably to serve and 
honor thee. 

And now, O Lord, we do most humbly confess 




62 



PRAYERS AND SCRIPTURE LESSONS 



that we have sinned, and have grievously displeased 
thee, and that we can expect nothing less than 
eternal death and condemnation, if thou shouldst 
deal with us according to our deserts. 

But, O most merciful God, thou art our God, 
and we are thine inheritance. Thou art our Crea- 
tor, and we are the work of thy hands. Thou art 
our Shepherd, and we thy flock. Thou art our 
Redeemer, and we the people whom thou hast 
redeemed. Thou art our Father, and we are thy chil- 
dren. Lord, be not wroth against us; punish us 
not in thy sore displeasure. 

Remember, O Lord, that thy name hath been 
named upon us ; that we bear thy seal, and the 
tokens of thy service. Perfect the work thou hast 
begun in us, that all the world may know that 
thou art our God and merciful Deliverer. Thou 
knowest that the dead who are in their graves can 
not praise thee ; but the sorrowful spirit, the con- 
trite heart, the conscience broken with a sense of 
sin, and panting for thy grace, shall give thee praise 
and glory. Thy people Israel oftimes offended thee, 
and thou didst justly afflict them; but as oft as 
they returned to thee, thou didst receive them in 
mercy; and that for the sake of thy covenant, 
which thou didst make with their fathers. Thou hast 
made a better covenant with us, O heavenly Father, 
a covenant on which we may lean as we appear 
before thee, through the mediation of thy dear Son 
Jesus Christ our Saviour, with whose most precious 
blood it hath pleased thee that this covenant should 
be written, sealed and confirmed. 



FOR FASTING, HUMILIATION, ETC. 



63 



Wherefore, O heavenly Father, we now, casting 
away all confidence in ourselves, or any other 
creature, do flee to this most holy covenant of grace, 
wherein our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, once 
offering himself a sacrifice for us on the cross, hath 
reconciled us to thee for ever. Look, therefore, O 
merciful Lord, upon the face of thine anointed, and 
not on our sins, that thine anger may be appeased 
by his intercession, and cause thy face to shine on 
us again to our joy and salvation. Take us into 
thy heavenly guidance and protection, and govern 
us by thy Holy Spirit. Quicken in us newness of 
life, that we may glorify and praise thy blessed 
name for ever. 

And we most humbly beseech thee to bless and 
defend thy Holy Church. Be merciful to all lands, 
and their rulers, and especially to this our (afflicted) 
land. Increase the number of godly ministers. 
Endue them with thy grace, that they may be found 
faithful and zealous in their office. We commend 
also to thy fatherly pity all that are in poverty, 
sickness, or any kind of adversity. And grant 
unto us all, the grace of true repentance, steadfast 
faith, and constant patience, that whether we live 
or die, we may always continue thine, and ever 
bless thy holy name, until we come to the full 
enjoyment of thyself in glory. Grant these, and 
all our humble petitions, O merciful Father, for 
the sake of thy dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 



64 



PRAYERS AND SCRIPTURE LESSONS 



II. 

OLORD, our God, thou hast been our dwelling- 
place in all generations. To whom can we go, 
but unto thee ; thou hast the words of eternal life. 
Vain is the arm of man. Lead us to the rock that 
is higher than we. 

O Lord, under a deep sense of our sinfulness 
and unworthiness, we bow ourselves before thy 
throne. We have sinned, and have committed 
iniquity. We have done wickedly in thy sight. To 
us belongeth confusion of face, because we have 
departed from thy precepts, and have not regarded 
thy judgments. If thou wert to deal with us ac- 
cording to our sin, thou wouldst carry us away as 
with a flood. Thou wouldst consume us by thine 
anger. Have mercy upon us, God of our fathers, 
for the sake of thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. 
Have mercy upon us, miserable sinners. Teach us 
so to number our days that we may apply our hearts 
unto wisdom. Cause us to hear thy loving kind- 
ness, for in thee do we trust. Turn us, O God of 
our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to 
cease. Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? Wilt 
thou not revive us again, that thy people may 
rejoice in thee? Quicken us in the power of 
prayer and supplication, that we may prevail at thy 
heavenly throne. Fill our hearts with humility 
and faith. Make us henceforth more holy, and 
help us to watch and pray, seeing that we know 
not when the time is, lest our Master coming sud- 
denly should find us sleeping. 

O Lord hear; O Lord forgive; O Lord hearken 



FOR FASTING, HUMILIATION, ETC. 



65 



and do : defer not for thine own sake, O our God. 
And all the glory shall be to thee, the Father, the 
Son, and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without 
end. Amen. 

III. 

OMOST mighty God, terrible in thy judgments, 
and wonderful in thy doings toward the chil- 
dren of men: we, thy sinful creatures, here assem- 
bled before thee, do, on behalf of the whole people 
of this land, humbly confess the manifold sins both 
of ourselves and of our rulers, whereby we have 
drawn down upon us thy righteous displeasure. 
Guilty, guilty, O Lord, are we all before thee this 
day. But enter not into judgment with thy serv- 
ants, O Lord, seeing that in thy sight none living 
can be justified; neither visit upon our posterity 
the reward of our transgressions. Be merciful, 
Lord, be merciful unto thy people, whom thou hast 
redeemed, and be not angry with us for ever ; but 
pardon us for thy mercy's sake, through the merits 
of thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord; to whom, with 
Thee, and the Holy Ghost, be honor and glory^ 
world without end. Amen. 

IV. 

In Time of Pestilence. 

HOLY Lord God Almighty, who of old didst 
stay the angel of destruction at the cry of thy 
repenting children, and didst bring back health to 
a dying people; hear us, thy suppliants, returning 
to thee, as in sackcloth, dust and ashes, and merci- 



66 



PRAYERS AND SCRIPTURE LESSONS 



fully lift from us the heavy hand of thy righteous 
visitation; that the people may live before thee, 
and not die in their sins, and that the land may no 
longer mourn by reason of thy judgments, Lord, 
who for our iniquities art justly displeased. We 
humbly ask it for Christ's sake. Amen. 

V. 

In Time of Drouth. 

OGOD, our Creator, Preserver, and bountiful 
Benefactor, who givest seed-time and harvest, 
and senclest both the early and latter rain ; have 
pity, we beseech thee, upon thy famished people, 
who cry unto thee in their tribulation, and in thy 
compassion return and visit us; that the heavens 
may no longer be as brass above, and the earth as 
iron beneath, to shut out from us thy mercy, but 
that all the people may praise thee, God, who art 
the Fountain of living waters, and the Father of 
mercies, from whom cometh down every good and 
perfect gift; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

VI. 

In Time of Famine. 

OGOD, our heavenly Father, whose gift it is that 
the rain doth fall, and the earth bring forth her 
increase ; behold, we beseech thee, the afflictions of 
thy people ; increase the fruits of the earth by thy 
heavenly benediction; and grant that the scarcity 
and dearth which we now most justly suffer for our 
sins, may, through thy goodness, be mercifully 



FOR PASTING, HUMILIATION, ETC. 



67 



turned into plenty; that we, receiving thy bounti- 
ful liberality, may use the same to thy glory, the 
relief of those that are needy, and our own com- 
fort, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord; to 
whom, with Thee, and the Holy Ghost, be all honor 
and glory, now and for ever. Amen. 

VII. 

In Time of War. 

O ALMIGHTY God, King of all kings, and Gov- 
ernor of all things, whose power no creature 
is able to resist, to whom it belongeth justly to 
punish sinners, and to be merciful to them that 
truly repent; save and deliver us, we humbly be- 
seech thee, from the hands of our enemies ; abate 
their pride, assuage their malice, and confound 
their devices; that we, being armed with thy de. 
fense, may be preserved ever more from all perils, 
to glorify thee, who art the only Giver of all vic- 
tory; through the merits of thy only Son, Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 

VIII. 

For the Preservation of the Nation. 

O ALMIGHTY God, Governor of all men, and 
God of our fathers, who hast brought forth this 
people from the midst of the nations with a mighty 
hand and outstretched arm, and established us in 
peace and freedom, and knit us together in one 
blessed union of states and kindred ; most humbly 
do we beseech thee, ever more keep us the same, 



68 



PRAYERS AND SCRIPTURE LESSONS 



through all assaults and dangers, against every 
gathering together of the fro ward, and every up- 
rising of evil-doers ; that no secret conspiracies 
nor open violence may distract or divide us; but 
that, being surrounded by thy might, and clinging 
together under the shadow of thy wings, we may 
steadfastly continue one and inseparable, for the 
honor and welfare of our country, for the good of 
mankind, and for the glory of thy holy name. 
Amen. 

IX. 

For the Return of Peace. 

OGOD, Guardian of peace, and Lover of charity, 
stretch forth the wings of thy compassion over 
thy stricken people, and let heavenly peace return 
throughout our borders ; that being no longer 
shaken with terrors, we may employ thy tranquilli- 
ty for the remedy of our faults, and for the recovery 
of thy favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 



If P^YEr^S IXP §^RIPTUP V E ^ESSO^S 

FOR DAYS OF FUBLIC THANKSGIVING. 



HARVEST FESTIVALS, 




SCRIPTURE LESSONS. 
For Thanksgiving Occasions. 

Lev. xxvi. 1-14; Dent, viii., ix. ; Num. xxiv. ; 
1 Kings iii. 5-18; 2 Kings xviii 1-S ; 1 Cliron. xvi. ; 
1 Ohron. xvii. 16-27; 2 Chron. xxx. ; Psalms xcii., 
ov.. cvii.. cxviii, exliv.. cxlvii., cxlviii., cxlix., lxy., 
cxxxv., cxxxvi.. civ. ; Eom, xii., xiii. ; Phil. iv. 4-20; 
1 Thess. v. 

For Victory and Peace. 

Exod. xv. 1-19 ; 2 Sam. xxii. ; Isaiah ii., xi., xxxv., 
Ix. ; Micah iv. ; Rev. xxi.; Psalms xlvi., cxv. cxxiv., 
lxvi.. Ixvii.. lxxxiv. 

PRAYERS. 

I 

OGOD, infinite in wisdom, power and goodness, 
we acknowledge thee to be the Creator of all 
things in the heavens above, in the earth beneath, 
and in the paths of the sea. Great and glorious 
are all thy works. ^We praise thy loving-kindness 
that thou hast made them subservient to the wants 
6 



70 



PRAYERS AND SCRIPTURE LESSONS 



and happiness of thy children. What is man that 
thou art mindful of him, and the son of man that 
thou visitest him? Thou hast given him dominion 
over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the 
air, and over every living thing that moveth upon 
the earth. Thou hast crowned us with loving kind- 
ness and tender mercy. 

We praise thee, O God, for thy gracious promise 
of old, that while the earth remaineth, seed-time 
and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and 
winter, and day and night, shall not cease. Thou 
visitest the earth and blessest it. Thou sendest 
the springs into the valleys which run among the 
hills. Thou causest the grass to grow for all cattle, 
and herb for the service of man, that he may bring 
forth fruit out of the earth. Thou makest the fur- 
rows of the field soft with showers. Thou blessest 
the springing thereof. The pastures are clothed 
with flocks ; the vallej^s also are covered with 
corn; they shout for joy. Thou crownest the year 
with thy goodness. O Lord! how manifold are thy 
works ; in wisdom hast thou made them all. 

We praise thee, Lord, not only in the riches 
of thy bounty and compassion, but also in thy 
righteous judgments. Thou openest thy hand and 
we are filled with good: thou hidest thy face, and 
we are troubled. But we know that in thy wrath 
thou rememberest mercy, and we acknowledge thy 
long-suffering and thy loving-kindness. Grant us 
grace to believe that whom the Lord loveth he 
chasteneth. Enable us at all times to rejoice in 
the Lord, and in the God of our salvation. 

For ourselves and our country, O most gracious 



FOR THANKSGIVING, HARVEST FESTIVALS, ETC. 71 

God, we thank thee, that notwithstanding our man- 
ifold transgressions of thy holy laws, thou hast con- 
tinued unto us thy marvelous kindness ; that thou 
hast given us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, 
filling our hearts with food and gladness. These 
have been witnesses of thy great goodness, for 
they certify of thee that thou art the living God. 
Teach us to believe with a strong faith that thou 
art the Lord of the seasons ; that thou biddest the 
earth to bring forth, and it obej^eth thee. Accept 
our thanksgivings for all the blessings of the year; 
inspire us with humility and love ; with gratitude 
and trust. Continue thy loving-kindness unto us, 
and help us to show forth the fruits of grace, in a 
sincere obedience to him, through whom all bless- 
ings are vouchsafed to us, even Jesus Christ our 
Lord and Redeemer. Amen. 

II. 

OLOKD God, King of kings, and Judge of na- 
tions, who hast been exceedingly gracious 
unto this land, and by thy marvelous providence 
hast crowned the year with loving-kindness, giving 
us ever of thy bounty all good things richly to 
enjoy: we, thy creatures and subjects, are here 
before thee, with due thankfulness to acknowledge, 
for ourselves and for all the people, these thine un- 
speakable mercies, and to offer unto thee our sacri- 
fice of praise and thanksgiving; humbly beseech- 
ing thee to accept this our imperfect service, and 
vowing all holy obedience, in thought, word, and 
work, unto thee, who art our only King and Sover- 



72 



PRAYERS AND SCRIPTURE LESSONS 



eign, and our most gracious Benefactor; through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

III. 

GOD, Giver of all good, and Fountain of all 
v^/ mercies, in whom are the springs of our life; 
all glory, thanks and praise be unto thee for thy 
overflowing goodness; for thy faithfulness, which 
is from one generation to another; for thy mercies, 
which are new every morning, fresh every moment, 
and more than we can number; for seed-time and 
harvest, and summer and winter, and nights and 
days throughout the year; for food and raiment and 
shelter; for health and reason; for childhood and 
age, and youth and manhood; for thy fatherly 
hand ever upon us in sickness and in health, in joy 
and in sorrow, in life and in death; for friends, and 
kindred, and benefactors; for home and country; 
for thy Church and for thy gospel: yea, Lord, for 
that there is nothing for which vve may not bless 
and thank thee. And, therefore, do we take the 
cup of salvation and call upon thy name, and pay 
our vows now in the presence of all thy people; 
humbly beseeching thee to accept this our becoming 
service and bounclen duty, even as we offer it, in 
the name and through the infinite merits of thy 
Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

IV. 

Thanksgiving for Harvest. 

A LMIGHTY and most gracious God, we yield 
xl thee hearty thanks for all thy goodness, and 



FOR THANKSGIVING, HARVEST FESTIVALS, ETC. 73 

especially for this thy bounty again bestowed 
upon us, who, through thy providence and tender 
mercy, have now reaped the fruits of the earth in 
due season, and gathered them into our garners. 
Give us grace to use the saire to thy glory, to the 
relief of those that are needy, and to our own com- 
fort. Continue, we beseech thee, thy loving-kind- 
ness toward us, that year by year, our land may 
yield her increase, filling our hearts with food and 
gladness, to the comfort of thy people, and the 
glory of thy holy name. And so dispose us by thy 
special grace that we, thy servants, may never sow 
to the flesh, lest of the flesh we reap corrup- 
tion; but may sow to the Spirit, and of the Spirit 
reap life everlasting in thy heavenly kingdom. 

And we beseech thee, O Lord, to sow the seed 
of tlry Word in our hearts, and send down upon us 
the showers of thy grace, that we may bring forth 
the fruits of the Spirit, and at the great day of har- 
vest may be gathered by thy holy angels into thy 
heaventy garner. 

O merciful God, the Father of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, who is the Resurrection and the Life: we 
humbly beseech thee to raise us up from the death 
of sin unto the life of righteousness, that when we 
shall depart this life, we may rest in him; and 
grant that our mortal bodies, though sown in weak- 
ness and dishonor, may be raised in power and 
glory, through the merits and mediation of him 
who is the first fruits of them that sleep; who died, 
and was buried, and rose again for us, even Jesus 
Christ our Lord and Mediator. Amen. 



74 



PRAYERS AND SCRIPTURE LESSONS 



V. 

Thanksgiving for the Removal of Pestilence. 

OLORD God of our salvation, who turnest man 
to destruction, and sayest, Return, ye chil- 
dren of men : we yield thee hearty thanks that 
thou didst not shut the ears of thy mercy when we 
cried unto thee, in the day of thy terrible visita- 
tion, as out of the valley and shadow of death; 
but hast mercifully driven from our borders the 
wasting pestilence, and restored to our dwellings 
the voice of joy and of health. Of thy mercy it is, 
O Lord, that we were not utterly consumed and 
wasted away ; and, therefore, as the living from the 
dead, we return to bless, and praise, and magnify 
thee ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

VI. 

Thanksgiving for the Removal of Famine. 

E yield thee unfeigned thanks, O most 
bountiful God and Father, who hast had 
compassion upon the multitudes that were ready 
to perish with hunger, that thou didst make the 
few loaves and fishes enough for thousands, and art 
now crowning the seed-time with harvest, and fill- 
ing the land with plenty. And we beseech thee, 
that unto this miracle of thy earthly providence thou 
wilt add the richer miracle of thy heavenly grace, 
and evermore give us that bread which cometh 
down from heaven, whereof they that eat shall be 
nourished unto life eternal; through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 




FOR THANKSGIVING, HARVEST FESTIVALS, ETC. 75 



VII. 

Thanksgiving for Victory over Enemies. 

O ALMIGHTY God, the sovereign Commander 
of all the world, in whose hands are power and 
might, which none is able to withstand: we bless 
and magnify thy great and glorious name for the 
happy victory wherewith thou hast crowned our 
arms, and the whole glory whereof we do ascribe unto 
thee, the only Giver of victory. And we beseech 
thee, give us grace to improve this great mercy 
to thy glory, the honor of our country, and, as 
much as in us lies, to the good of all mankind; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord: to whom, with 
Thee, and the Holy Spirit, as for all thy mercies, 
so in particular for this, be all honor and glory, 
world without end. Amen. 

VIII. 

Thanksgiving for any great Public Deliverance. 

O ALMIGHTY God, who hast in all ages showed 
forth thy power and mercy in the miraculous 
deliverances of thy Church, and the protection of 
righteous states and nations which maintain thy 
holy and eternal truth: we adore the wisdom and 
goodness of thy providence, which hath so timely 
interposed in our extreme danger, and again filled 
our hearts with joy and gladness, after thou hadst 
afflicted us. We beseech thee, give us such a lively 
and lasting sense of this thy great mercy toward us, 
that we may not grow secure and careless, by pre- 
suming upon thy goodnes, but that it may lead us 



76 



PRAYERS AND SCRIPTURE LESSONS. 



to repentance, and move us to be the more zealous 
in all the duties of our religion, as well to thee as 
to one another. Let truth and justice, liberty and 
order, holiness and piety, concord and unity, with 
all other virtues, so nourish among us, that they 
may make this nation a bulwark of thy Church, 
and a joy and praise in the earth. So will we, thy 
people, and the sheep of thy pasture, give thee 
thanks for ever, and always be showing forth thy 
praise from generation to generation, through 
Jesus Christ our only Saviour and Redeemer: to 
whom, with Thee, O Father, and the Holy Ghost, be 
glory in the Church, -throughout all ages, world 
without end. Amen. 



1. Before the Election of Elders and Deacons. 

ALMIGHTY God, the Giver of all good gifts, 
who by thy Son Jesus Christ hast appointed 
divers administrations for the edifying. of his body 
in truth, holiness and charity ; mercifully look upon 
thy people, and at this time so guide and govern 
them that they may faithfully and wisely make 
choice of fit (persons) to serve before thee in thy 
Church. And to (those) who shall be ordained to 
any holy function give thy grace and heavenly 
benediction, that both by (their) life and doctrine 
(they) may show forth thy praises, and set forward 
the salvation of men, to the glory of thy great 
name, and the benefit of thy Holy Church ; through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

2. For the Synod (or General Synod) during their Sessions. 

O ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who by thy 
Holy Spirit didst preside in the first Synod of 
the Apostles and Elders at J erusalem ; mercifully 
regard, we beseech thee, thy servants chosen and 
gathered before thee, at this time, as a Court and 
Council in thy Church. Shed down upon them all 
heavenly wisdom and grace ; enlighten them with 
true knowledge of thy Word; inflame them with a 
true zeal for thy glory; and so order all their doings 
through thy good Spirit, that unity and peace shall 
7 



78 



PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 



prevail among them; that truth and righteousness 
shall flow forth from them, and that by their en- 
deavors all thy ministers and churches shall be es- 
tablished and comforted, thy gospel everywhere 
purely preached and truly followed, thy kingdom 
among men extended and strengthened, and the 
whole body of thine elect people grow up with him 
who is head over all things to the Church, Christ 
Jesus our Lord. Amen. 

3. For the Unity and Prosperity of the Church Universal. 

ALMIGHTY God, who hast built thy Church 
upon the foundation of the apostles and proph- 
ets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner- 
stone ; grant that by the operation of the Holy 
Ghost all Christians may be so joined together in 
the unity of the spirit, and in the bonds of peace, 
that they may be an holy temple acceptable 

unto thee. Prosper thy whole Church, and by 
thy grace enable all her members, as with one 
mouth and one heart, to profess the faith once de- 
livered to the saints. Defend them from the sins 
of heresy and schism ; let not the foot of pride 
come nigh to hurt them, nor the hand of the un- 
godly to cast them down. And grant that the 
course of this world may be so ordered by thy 
providence, that thy Church may joyfully serve 
thee in all godly quietness, and her members 
walk in the ways of truth and peace, and at last 
be numbered with thy saints in glory everlasting: 
through thy merits, O blessed Jesus, thou gracious 
Shepherd and Bishop of our souls, who art, with 



PRAYER AT SEA. 



79 



the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world 
without end. Amen. 

4. A Prayer to be Used at Sea. 

ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, who 
alone commandest the winds and the waves, 
and they obey thee: we, thy dependent creatures, 
separated upon the sea from the dwellings of men, 
would humbly address to thee our prayers. We 
confess before thee our manifold transgressions, and 
implore thy mercy and forgiving grace, through 
Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. We worship 
thee, O Lord, and beholding thy works and thy 
wonders in the deep, we magnify and exalt thy 
great and holy name ; and ascribe unto thee all 
dominion and majesty and glory for ever and ever. 

O Lord our God. we give thanks unto thee for 
thy goodness and loving-kindness to us, notwith- 
standing our guilt, and therefore call upon our souls 
to bless and praise thee for thine upholding mercy 
and preserving care. Vouchsafe unto us, O Lord, 
the continued protection and support of thy prov- 
idence. Spare us from thy just judgments. Shield 
us from the dangers of the storm and of the deep. 
Prosper us on our way, and bring us to our destined 
haven. 

Above all, heavenly Father, grant us the influ- 
ence of thy Holy Spirit, that our minds may be en- 
lightened in the knowledge of thy truth, that our 
hearts may be purified from indwelling sin; and do 
thou work in us both to will and to do of thy good 
pleasure. Grant unto us, for Christ's sake, the re- 
mission of sin, and that faith which is the gift of 



80 



PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 



God, that we may bring forth unto thee, in our 
hearts and lives, the peaceable fruits of righteous- 
ness. Forbid, O Lord our God, that we should make 
shipwreck of the soul ; but being guided and guarded 
by thy good Spirit, may we finish the voyage of life 
in safety, and find entrance at last into the haven 
of eternal rest, through Jesus Christ our Lord : to 
whom, with Thee, the Father and the Holy Ghost, 
be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen. 

5. For the Festival of the Reformation. 
I 

ALMIGHTY God, Protector of thy Holy Church ; 
we beseech thee graciously to accept of our 
thanksgiving and praise, for the inestimable gift of 
the gospel that has been restored in its simplicity 
and purity. And we pray thee henceforward gra- 
ciously to protect us thy people against all error ? 
and through thy Holy Spirit so to lead and direct 
our hearts, that we may persevere in faith upon our 
Lord and Saviour, who alone is our righteousness 
and wisdom, our true comfort and peace ; that so 
we may finally attain unto thy glory, through Jesus 
Christ, thy dear Son, who liveth and reigneth with 
thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world 
without end. Amen. 

II. 

OLORD, our God : from thee alone cometh help 
and salvation. We praise thee that unto our 
fathers thou didst gloriously reveal thy might and 
thy faithfulness ; that thou didst rescue thy people 



FESTIVAL OF THE REFORMATION. 



81 



from the power of darkness ; break the fetters of 
their servitude ; reveal anew unto them the word 
of life ; and gather them, hungering after thy right- 
eousness, into the green pastures of thy grace. 

This was thy work, and not the work of men. 
Thou didst raise up thy faithful servants who saw 
the deep corruption of the Church, and mourned 
over her low estate. Thou didst illuminate their 
minds and lead them into the liberty of the chil- 
dren of God in Christ, so that they could point out 
the way to others. Thou didst give them courage 
to arise as witnesses of the truth, and in thy 
strength to unvail and expose the corruptions in 
holy places, and not to quail before the hostility of 
the powerful of this world. They trusted in thee, 
as their fortress, their strong shield and tower. 
And thou didst not let them come to shame, but 
gavest them the victory, and didst crown their work 
with thy benediction. Therefore, O Lord, we thy 
people will give thee thanks for ever ; we will show 
forth thy praise to all generations. 

And we bless thee, that thou hast preserved 
these dearly-purchased gifts unto thy Church, and 
hast granted unto us also to become partakers of 
these blessings. We praise thee, that we possess 
thy pure Word, and holy Sacraments, as instituted 
by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; that we can 
worship thee in true freedom of conscience, with- 
out fear or constraint; that we have access to thee 
and thy grace through our Saviour as our only Me- 
diator; and that we know that no more sacrifice is 
necessary to secure thy favor, but only a living 



82 



PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 



faith, in the offering made by thy Son once. for 
all upon the cross. 

Preserve unto us and unto thy Church, O gra- 
cious God, these inestimable blessings. Remain 
thou the shield and protector of thy people. En- 
lighten, sanctify, and bless them through thy Word 
and Sacraments. Grant that they may hold fast 
that which they have, that no man take their crown. 
Give unto all thy congregations pious and faith- 
ful ministers. Accompany the Word with the pow- 
erful efficacy of thy Spirit, that it may bear blessed 
fruit in the hearts and lives of thy people. 

And grant, O Lord, that these blessings may be- 
come the heritage of all men. Break down the 
kingdom of darkness everywhere upon earth, and 
let the light of thy truth fill the world more and 
more. Convert all who oppose thy gospel. Give 
help to all who are tempted and oppressed and 
persecuted for conscience' sake, and rescue them 
through thy mighty arm. Enlighten those in er- 
ror ; strengthen the weak, and prepare thy children 
for their eternal inheritance. Thus bless us and all 
men in Christ our Lord, with knowledge and wis- 
dom, with faith and love, with joy in life, and with 
hope in death. Yea, guide us all through this night 
of time, into the light of thine eternal day, that we 
may enter there the presence of thy glory and joy. 

Now, unto thee the Father, together with the 
Son and the Holy Spirit, be glory in the Church by 
Christ J esus throughout all ages, world without end. 
Amen. 



MISSIONARY FESTIVALS. 



S3 



60 For Missionary Festivals. 
I. 

ALMIGHTY God, whose dearly beloved Son, af- 
ter his resurrection from the dead, did send his 
apostles into all the world, to preach the gospel to 
every creature; hear, we beseech thee, the prayers 
of thy people, and look down in thy compassion 
upon the multitudes that are as sheep having no 
shepherd, and upon the fields now white unto the 
harvest. Bless those thy servants, who, after the 
example of thy first missionaries, have gone far 
hence to the Gentiles, and prosper them in their 
work of faith and labor of love. Send forth more 
laborers into thy harvest, to gather fruit unto life 
eternal. And grant us grace and power to be fel- 
low-workers with them by prayers and offerings, 
that we may also rejoice with them in thy heavenly 
kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

II. 

ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, Father of 
Light and of Life : we bring thee adoration 
and praise that thou hast sent into this world thine 
only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, as the 
blessed light of life for men, to reveal thy salvation 
to all nations, and to deliver thy people from the 
guilt and power of sin. We bless thee, that by thy 
holy gospel thou hast called us also from darkness 
and the shadow of death to the saving knowledge 
of thy truth. We glorify thee, and rejoice, that we 



84 



PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 



see revealed the great mystery of godliness : God 
manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit* 
seen of angels, preached nnto the Gentiles, believed 
on in the world, received up into glory. 

We beseech thee, O Lord, to cause this heavenly 
light ever more to shine in our hearts, that we may 
more fully know and heartily reverence thee, the 
only true God ; and, as becometh thy children, so let 
our light shine before men, that they may see our 
good works, and glorify thee. 

Let thy kingdom be more firmly established in 
every congregation, in every family, in all Christian 
hearts, in continually growing evidence of the 
Spirit, and with richer fullness of his gifts of grace. 
And, especially, do we beseech thee for the exten- 
sion of thy kingdom over the whole earth. Have 
mercy upon those that yet sit in darkness and in 
the shadow of death! Prepare thou the way for 
the coming of thy kingdom, that such darkness may 
speedily flee away. Thou gavest thy Son for the 
whole world, and desirest that all may come through 
him unto thee. Grant that the joyful message of a 
Saviour born, and of a salvation accomplished, may 
penetrate all heathen lands ; that idolatry may be 
cast down; that the kingdom of sin and corruption 
may be overthrown through the kingdom of thy 
grace, and that from the rising of the sun even to 
its going down, Jesus may be acknowedged as the 
King of kings, and the Lord of lords. 

We praise thee that the field, in many places, is 
white unto the harvest. O Lord of the harvest, do 
thou, we beseech thee, raise up and send forth la- 
borers into thy great harvest ; and make us willing 



FOR CATECHUMENS. 



85 



and worthy to take part, as fellow-laborers, in this 
work of faith and love. Grant us hearts to devote 
ourselves, our means, our time, and our prayers to 
the great work of preaching the gospel unto every 
creature. Bless all societies and institutions en- 
gaged in the holy work of missions. Sustain the 
missionaries, and crown their labors with thy 
heavenly benediction. And hasten, in thine own 
good time, the promised day, when the kingdoms 
of this world shall become the kingdoms of our 
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 

7. For the Catechumens. 

L 

OLORD Jesus Christ, our only Prophet and 
Teacher : we are here assembled not only to 
be instructed in the ground of our faith, and the 
chief doctrines of our holy religion, but also, that 
we may be brought to see our sins and miseries, 
and be encouraged to flee to the salvation that is 
offered to us in Christ. To this end grant us the 
assistance of thy Holy Spirit. Open thou our eyes 
that we may see the wonders of thy law; open our 
hearts, that we may receive thy truth with simplic- 
ity and meekness ; so that, built upon the founda- 
tion of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ him- 
self being the chief corner-stone, we may be firm 
and immovable against all allurements of the world, 
the flesh and the devil, and finally attain unto the 
end of our faith, even the salvation of our souls; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



86 



PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 



II. 

ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, who 
alone dost begin, continue, and conclude 
every good work in us : we beseech thee in behalf 
of these dear friends, in whose hearts thou hast 
awakened a desire after thy salvation, that thou 
wouldst open the eyes of their understanding that 
they may know and comprehend the great mystery 
of Redemption through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Carry forward the work which thou hast begun in 
them, that being convinced of sin, and led in true 
repentance and faith to look unto the Lamb of God 
that taketh away the sin of the world, they may 
grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord, 
and not allow themselves to be led away from the 
truth by any false doctrines and evil lusts; but may 
they remain steadfast in thy Church, in true faith and 
obedience. Grant that they may grow continually 
in all good woiks. And as in age, so may they also 
daily increase in wisdom and grace before thee 
and men ; and more and more love thee and glo- 
rify thee in body and soul : all of which we ask for 
the sake of thy beloved Son, our Lord and Saviour 
Jesus Christ. Amen. 

III. 

(Closing Prayer.) 

E render praise and thanksgiving unto thee, 
O gracious God and Father, that thou hast 
again permitted us to study the precious doctrines 
and truths of thy Holy Word. Grant us now thy 




FOR CATECHUMENS. 



87 



blessing, that we may lay to heart these revealed 
truths, and so prepare us by thy Spirit that we may 
treasure them up in our minds, and thus become 
more and more able to do thy holy will. Defend 
us from all errors and departures from thy doctrine, 
and especially protect these dear friends from the 
temptations and dangers that beset them on every 
side in this evil world. Teach them to watch and 
pray, that they fall not into any sin, but firmly 
withstanding all evil allurements and inclinations, 
may they preserve their bodies and souls pure and 
unspotted before thee. 

Most merciful God and Father: unto thee and 
thy gracious guidance we commit ourselves. Help 
us, that from the heart we may love thee and our 
Lord Jesus Christ, joyfully confess his gospel, faith- 
fully follow in his footsteps, and, if it be thy will, 
obediently suffer, that we may also finally become 
partakers of the full salvation which thou hast 
promised us through Jesus Christ: to whom, with 
Thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and praise, 
world without end. Amen. 



Ancient Liturgical ^oipSx 



THE APOSTLES CREED. 



I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker 
of heaven and earth : 

And in Jesus Christ his only begotten Son our 
Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born 
of the Virgin Mary ; suffered under Pontius Pilate, 
was crucified, dead, and buried ; he descended into 
hell; the third day he rose from the dead; he as- 
cended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand 
of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall 
come to judge the quick and the dead. 

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic 
Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness 
of sins ; the resurrection of the body, and the life 
everlasting. Amen. 



E believe in one God, the Father Almighty, 



V V Maker of heaven and earth, and of all 
things visible and invisible : 

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begot- 
ten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all 
worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of 
very God; begotten, not made; being of one sub- 
stance with the Father, by whom all things were 
made : who for us men, and for our salvation, came 
down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy 



THE NICENE CREED. 




THE ATH AN ASIAN CREED. 



89 



Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man; who 
was also crucified for us under Pontius Pilate. He 
suffered and was buried ; and the third day he rose 
again, according to the Scriptures ; and ascended into 
heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father; 
and shall come again with glory to judge the quick 
and the dead; of whose kingdom there shall be no 
end. 

And we believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord, 
the Giver of life, who proceedeth from the Father 
and the Son; who with the Father and the Son 
together is worshiped and glorified ; who sjDake by 
the prophets. And we believe one holy catholic 
and apostolic Church. We confess one baptism for 
the remission of sins; we look for the resurrection 
of the dead, and the life of the world to come. 
Amen. 

THE ATHANASIAN CREED. 
(Or Syrnbolum Quicunque.) 

WHOSOEVER will be saved, before all things 
it is necessary that he hold the catholic 

faith ; 

Which faith except every one do keep whole 
and undefiled, without doubt, he shall perish ever- 
lastingly. 

And the catholic faith is this : that we worship 
one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity ; 

Neither confounding the persons, nor dividing 
the substance. 

For there is one person of the Father, another 
of the Son, and another of the Holy Ghost. 

But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and 



90 



ANCIENT LITURGICAL FORMS. 



of the Holy Ghost, is all one ; the glory equal, the 
majesty co-eternal. 

Such as the Father is, such is the Son, and such 
is the Holy Ghost. 

The Father uncreated, the Son uncreated, and 
the Holy Ghost uncreated. 

The Father unlimited, the Son unlimited, and 
the Holy Ghost unlimited. 

The Father eternal, the Son eternal, and the 
Holy Ghost eternal. 

And yet not three eternal, but one eternal. 

As also, not three uncreated, nor three unlim- 
ited; but one uncreated, and one unlimited. 

So likewise the Father is almighty, the Son al- 
mighty, and the Holy Ghost almighty. 

And yet not three almighty, but one almighty. 

So the Father is God, the Son is God, and the 
Holy Ghost is God. 

And yet not three Gods, but one God. 

So likewise the Father is Lord, the Son Lord, and 
the Holy Ghost Lord. 

And yet not three Lords, but one Lord. 

For like as we are compelled by the christian 
verity to acknowledge each person by himself to be 
God and Lord ; 

So are we forbidden by the catholic religion to 
say: There be three Gods, or three Lords. 

The Father is made of none, neither created nor 
begotten, 

The Son is of the Father alone, not made, nor. 
created, but begotten. 

The Holy Ghost is of the Father and of the Son, 



THE ATH AN ASIAN CREED. 



91 



neither made, nor created, nor begotten, but pro- 
ceeding. 

So there is one Father, not three Fathers; one 
Son, not three Sons; one Holy Ghost, not three 
Holy Ghosts. 

And in this Trinity there is no before, nor after; 
no greater, nor less. 

But the whole three persons are co-eternal, and 
co-equal. 

So that in all things, as already said : the Unity 
in Trinity, and the Trinity in Unity, is to be wor- 
shiped. 

He therefore that will be saved must thus think 
of the Trinity. 

Furthermore, it is necessary to everlasting sal- 
vation, that we also believe truly the Incarnatiou 
of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

For the right faith is that we believe and con- 
fess that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is 
God and man. 

God, of the substance of the Father, begotten 
before the worlds ; and man, of the substance of his 
mother, born in the world ; 

Perfect God, and perfect man, of a reasonable 
soul and human flesh subsisting; 

Equal to the Father, according to his Godhead 
and inferior to the Father, according to his man- 
hood. 

Who although He be God and man, yet He is not 
two, but one Christ ; 

One, not by conversion of the Godhead into 
flesh, but by assumption of the manhood into God ; 

One altogether, not by confusion of substance 
but by unity of person. 



92 



ANCIENT LITURGICAL FORMS. 



For as the reasonable soul and flesh is one man, 
so God and man is one Christ ; 

Who suffered for our salvation, descended into 
hell, rose again the third day from the dead. 

He ascended into heaven, sitteth at the right 
hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he 
shall come to judge the quick and the dead. 

At whose coming all men shall rise again with 
their bodies, and shall give account for their own 
works. 

And they that have done good shall go into life 
everlasting, and they that have done evil, into ever- 
lasting fire. 

This is the catholic faith, which except a man 
believe, truly and firmly, he can not be saved. 

THE GLORIA PATRI. 
(Or Minor Doxology.) 

GLORY be to the Father, and to the Son, and 
to the Holy Ghost : 
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever 
shall be, world without end. Amen. 

THE GLORIA IN EXCEL SIS. 
(Or Angelic Hymn.) 

GLORY be to God on high, and on earth peace, 
good will toward men. We praise thee, we 
bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee, we 
give thanks to thee for thy great glory, O Lord God, 
heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. 

O Lord, the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ; O 



THE TE DEUM LAUDAMUS. 



93 



Lord God, Lamb ot God, Son of the Father, that 
takest away the sin of the world, have mercy upon 
us. Thou that takest away the sin of the world, 
have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the 
sin of the world, receive our prayer. Thou that 
sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have 
mercy upon us. 

For thou only art holy; thou only art the Lord; 
thou only, Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most 
high in the glory of God the Father. Amen. 

THE TE DEUM LAUDAMUS. 
(Or Ambrosiaii Hymn.) 

WE praise thee, God : 
We acknowledge thee to be the Lord, 
All the earth doth worship thee, 
The Father everlasting. 
To thee all angels cry aloud: 
The heavens and all the powers therein. 
To thee cherubim and seraphim 
Continually do cry, 
Holy, Holy, Holy : 
Lord God of Sabaoth. 
Heaven and earth are full 
Of the majesty of thy glory. 

The glorious company of the apostles praise thee: 

The goodly fellowship of the prophets praise thee 

The noble army of martyrs praise thee : 

The Holy Church throughout the world 

Doth acknowledge thee, 

The Father, of an infinite majesty; 

Thine adorable, true, and only Son : 
8 



94 



ANCIENT LITURGICAL FORMS. 



Also the Holy Ghost, the Comforter. 
Thou art the King of Glory, Christ ; 
Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father. 
When thou tookest upon thee to deliver man, 
Thou didst humble thyself to be born of a Virgin. 
When thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death, 
Thou didst open the kingdom of heaven to all be- 
lievers. 

Thou sittest at the right hand of God, in the glory 

of the Father. 
We believe that thou shalt come to be our Judge. 
We therefore pray thee, help thy servants, 
Whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood. 
Make them to be numbered with thy saints. 
In glory everlasting. 

O Lord, save thy people, and bless thy heritage: 

Govern them, and lift them up for ever. 

Day by day we magnify thee : 

And we worship thy name ever, world without end. 

Vouchsafe, Lord, to keep us this day without sin. 

O Lord, have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us. 

O Lord, let thy mercy be upon us, 

As our trust is in thee. 

O Lord, in thee have I trusted ; 

Let me never be confounded. 



THE LITANY. 

(Or General Supplication.) 

OGod, the Father in heaven: have mercy upon 
us. 

Have mercy upon us. 



THE LITANY. 



95 



God, the Son, Redeemer of the world : have 

mercy upon us. 
Have mercy upon us. 

O God, the Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father 

and the Son : have mercy upon us. 
Have mercy upon us. 

holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, three persons 

and one God : have mercy upon us. 
Have mercy upon us. 

Remember not, Lord, our offenses, nor the offenses 
of our forefathers ; neither take thou vengeance 
of our sins : spare us, good Lord, spare thy peo- 
ple, whom thou hast redeemed with thy most 
precious blood, and be not angry with us for ever. 

Spare us, good Lord. 

From all evil and harm ; from the power of sin, and 
the wiles of the devil; from thy wrath, and from 
everlasting death, 

Good Lord, deliver us. 

From all blindness of heart ; from pride, from vain- 
glory and hypocrisy ; from envy, hatred, and mal- 
ice, and all uncharitableness, 

Good Lord, deliver us. 

From all inordinate and sinful affections ; and from 
all deceits of the world, the flesh, and the devil, 
Good Lord, deliver us. 

From lightning and tempest ; from plague, pesti- 
lence and famine ; from all disasters by land and 
by water ; from battle and murder, and from sud- 
den death, 

Good Lord, deliver us. 

From all tumult and riot ; from sedition and rebel- 
lion from heresy and schism; from hardness of 



96 



ANCIENT LITURGICAL FORMS. 



heart, and contempt of thy Word and authority, 

Good Lord, deliver us. 

By the mystery of thy holy Incarnation; by thy 
holy Nativity and Circumcision ; by thy Baptism, 
Fasting, and Temptation, 

Good Lord, deliver us. 

By thine Agony and Bloody Sweat ; by thy Cross 
and Passion ; by thy precious Death and Burial 
by thy glorious Resurrection and Ascension ; and 
by the coming of the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, 

Good Lord, deliver us. 

In all time of our tribulation ; in all time of our 
prosperity ; in the hour of death, and in the day 
of judgment, 

Good Lord, deliver us. : . 

We sinners do beseech thee to hear us, O Lord God, 

Son of God, we beseech thee to hear us. 

That it may please thee to rule and govern thy holy 
Church universal in the right way ; to illuminate 
all Pastors and Ministers with true knowledge 
and understanding of thy Word ; and to bless 
and preserve all Christian Rulers and Magistrates, 
giving them grace to execute justice, and to 
maintain truth; 

We beseech thee to hear us, Lord. 

That it may please thee to give to all nations unity 
peace, and concord ; 

We beseech thee to hear us, Lord. 

That it may please thee to keep us in all time of 
temptation and trial; to comfort and help the 
weak-hearted ; to raise up them that fall ; and 
finally to beat down Satan under our feet ; 

We beseech thee to hear us, Lord. 



THE LITANY. 



97 



That it may please thee to succor, help and comfort 
all who are in danger, necessity, and tribulation ; 

We beseech thee to hear us, Lord. 

That it may please thee to have mercy upon all 
men ; 

We beseech thee to hear us, Lord. 

Son of God, Eedeemer of the World ; 

Have mercy upon us. 

Lamb of God, who takest away the sin of the 
world ; 

Have mercy upon us. 

Lamb of God, who takest away the sin of the 
world; 

Grant us thy peace. 

O God, merciful Father, who despisest not the 
sighing of the contrite, nor rejectest the desire of 
the sorrowful : be favorable to our prayers which 
in our afflictions that continually oppress us, we 
pour out before thee; and graciously hear them 
that those things which the craft of the devil or of 
man worketh against us, may be brought to nought, 
and by the counsel of thy goodness be dispersed ; 
that we thy servants, being hurt by no persecutions, 
may ever more give thanks unto thee in thy holy 
Church ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

We humbly beseech thee, Father, mercifully to 
look upon our infirmities ; and, for the glory of thy 
name, turn from us all those evils that we most 
justly have deserved; and grant, that in all our 
troubles we may put our whole trust and confi- 
dence in thy mercy, and ever more serve thee in 
holiness and pureness of living, to thy honor and 



98 



ANCIENT LITURGICAL FORMS. 



glory; through our only Mediator and Advocate, 
Jesus Christ our Lord. 

O God, from whom all holy desires, all good coun- 
sels, and all just works do proceed ; give unto thy 
servants that peace which the world can not give ; 
that our hearts may be set to obey thy command- 
ments ; and, also, that we, being defended from the 
fear of our enemies, may by thy protection pass 
our time, in peace and quietness, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 



IDLY iAPTISM. 

BAPTISM OF INFANTS. 
I. 

[Baptism being an ordinance of divine appointment, should be ad- 
ministered in the Church, except in special cases. 

The persons who administer holy baptism are the regularly or- 
dained ministers of the gospel. 

The children of Christian parents being included in the covenant 
and Church of God, are proper subjects of baptism, and should be 
baptized as soon as they can conveniently be brought to the Church. 

Members in good and regular standing in the Church, may be ad- 
mitted as sponsors, in connection with the parents.] 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and 
of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

DEARLY beloved in the Lord, in the sacra- 
ment of holy baptism, which was instituted 
by our Lord Jesus Christ immediately before his 
ascension into heaven, we are taught and assured, 
that although we are sinful and unholy, yet if we 
deplore our misery and sincerely turn to God, he 
will forgive our sins, renew our nature, and receive 
us again into his favor, for the sake of the one sac- 
rifice of his beloved Son upon the cross. "All pow- 
er," said Jesus to his disciples, "is given unto me 
in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach 
all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Fa- 
ther, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost : teach- 
ing them to observe all things whatsoever I have 



100 



HOLY BAPTISM. 



commanded you : and, lo, I am with you alway, even 
unto the end of the world." (Matt, xxviii. 19, 20.) 
To confirm us in the grace thus freely offered, and 
to seal unto us the promise of the gospel, he hath 
expressly commanded that we should be baptized 
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of 
the Holy Ghost. 

And whereas, in all covenants there are con- 
tained two parts, we, on our part, accept with true 
repentance and faith the blessings so freely offered 
unto us ; covenant and promise anew for ourselves 
and our children, that we will ever acknowledge 
and confess God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, 
to be our God, and that, renouncing all self-right- 
eousness, we will trust in Christ alone for salvation, 
and cleave unto him in love and obedience all our 
days. 

And although our little children do not under- 
stand these things, and can not yet embrace them 
by their own act, they are not to be denied the sa- 
cramental sign and seal of this covenant of grace 
in which God has been pleased to include them 
with their parents. Hence our Lord J esns Christ was 
much displeased with those who would have pre- 
vented children from being brought unto him when 
on earth, and rebuked them, saying : "Suffer the lit- 
tle children to come unto me, and forbid them not; 
for of such is the kingdom of God. , Verily I say 
unto you, whosoever shall not receive the king- 
dom of God as a little child, he shall not enter 
therein. And he took them up in his arms, put 
his hands upon them, and blessed them." (Mark 
x. 13-16.) 



BAPTISM OF INFANTS. 



101 



Having, therefore, dearly beloved, in accord- 
ance with the teachings of God's word, and the 
practice of his people in all ages, brought this 
child for holy baptism, it behooves you to give 
heed to the vows and obligations you are about to 
assume. Endeavor faithfully, both by precept and 
example, so to instruct and train this child that it 
may in due time ratify and take upon itself the 
vows and obligations, now made in its behalf, by 
heartily surrendering itself to the Lord Jesus 
Christ, and making a public profession of his name. 
To this end it should early be made acquainted 
with the sacred scriptures, with the doctrines and 
duties of our holy religion, as set forth in the Cate- 
chism, and such other things, which, as a Christian^ 
it ought to know and believe for its comfort and 
salvation. 

Let us pray. 

ALMIGHTY and eternal God, we beseech thee, 
to look graciously upon this child, and unite 
it by the Holy Spirit with thy Son Jesus Christ, 
that being buried with him in his death, it may 
rise with him to newness of life ; and follow him 
daily in the way of his commandments; and 
cleave unto him with a true faith, a firm hope, 
and an ardent love. Grant also that it may be en- 
abled by thy grace joyfully to renounce and forsake 
this sinful life, which is nothing but a continual 
death, and at the last day appear without fear be- 
fore the judgment seat of Christ, thy Son, who liv- 
eth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, 

ever one God. Amen. 
9 



102 



HOLY BAPTISM. 



Let us uo w unitedly confess our undoubted 
Christian faith. 

I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker 
of heaven and earth : 

And in Jesus Christ his only begotten Son our 
Lord ; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born 
of the Virgin Mary ; suffered under Pontius Pilate, 
was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into 
hell ; the third day he rose from the dead ; he as- 
cended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of 
God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall 
come to judge the quick and the dead. 

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic 
Church ; the communion of saints ; the forgive- 
ness of sins ; the resurrection of the body ; and the 
life everlasting. Amen. 

Do you desire that this child (these children) 
be baptized in this faith, and receive the seal 01 
its divine adoption ? If so, answer : We do. 

Do you solemnly promise to train up this child 
in the doctrines and duties of our holy religion, and 
if its life be spared, to use all proper efforts to bring 
it to a saving knowledge of God, and of his Son 
Jesus Christ ? If so, answer : We do. 

The miuister shall then pronounce aloud the name of the child, 
and say, as he applies the water to it freely : 

N. N. I baptize thee in the name of the Father 
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Let us pray. 

ALMIGHTY God, our merciful Father : we thank 
and praise thee, that thou dost forgive us and 



BAPTISM OF INFANTS. 



103 



our children all our sins through the blood of thy 
dear Son, and receive us among the number of thy 
people ; and that thou dost confirm and seal these 
blessings unto us in holy baptism. We beseech 
thee ever more to govern and direct this child by 
thy Holy Spirit, that it may attain to a saving 
knowledge of Jesus Christ; acknowledge thy fa- 
therly goodness and love shown to us all ; live in 
all righteousness ; and fight manfully against and 
overcome .sin, the devil, and all its spiritual ene- 
mies, to the end that it may for ever praise 
and magnify thee and thy Son Jesus Christ, to- 
gether with the Holy Ghost, the only true God. 
Amen. 

Our Father who art in heaven, <fec. 

II. 

Grace be unto you, and peace from God the 
Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 

DEAKLY beloved, when our blessed Saviour 
Jesus Christ had finished the work of redemp- 
tion upon earth, and was about to enter into his 
glory, he spake unto his disciples, saying: All 
power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 
Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing 
them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, 
and of the Holy Ghost : teaching them to observe 
all things whatsoever I have commanded you : and, 
lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the 
world. (Matt, xxviii. 18-20.) 

Inasmuch as this divine command embraces all, 



104 



HOLY BAPTISM. 



even the remotest nations, we and our children are 
comprehended in it by the Saviour of the world ; 
who, when upon earth, said with condescending 
kindness : Suffer the little children to come unto 
me, and forbid them not ; for of such is the kingdom 
of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall 
not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, 
he shall not enter therein. And he took them up 
in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed 
them. 

Having, therefore, the assurance that our chil- 
dren are equally with ourselves included in the 
covenant and promise of God, it is your high privi- 
lege, in accordance with the practice of the saints 
of all ages, to bring them, as you now do this child, 
for holy baptism, that you may consecrate it to 
God, and that it may receive the sign and seal 
of his grace in Christ Jesus our Redeemer. 

Let us pray. 

ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, who 
hast promised to be a God unto us and to our 
children ; grant, we humbly beseech thee, unto this 
child the continued presence of thy Holy Spirit, 
that it may be thine in body and soul, both in life 
and death. Graciously bestow upon it the bless- 
ings thou dost impart in the lawful use of holy bap- 
tism ; and may the fruits thereof be seen in its af- 
ter life. And as it grows in years, may it learn, 
more and more, rightly to know thee, heartily to 
love thee, and thus be prepared to live and reign 
with thee in eternal happiness, to glorify and praise 
thee ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



BAPTISM OP INFANTS. 



105 



Let us now unitedly confess our undoubted 
Christian faith: 

I believe in God the Father, &c. 

Do you desire that this child be baptized in 
this faith, and receive the seal of its divine adop- 
tion ? If so, answer : We do. 

Do you solemnly promise to train up this child 
in the doctrines and duties of our holy religion, and 
if its life be spared, to use all proper efforts to bring 
it to a saving knowledge of God and of his Son 
Jesus Christ? If so, answer: We do 

The minister shall then pronounce aloud the name of the child, 
and say, as he applies the water freely to it : 

N. N. I baptize thee in the name of the Father, 
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Let us pray. 

FATHER in heaven, we thank thee that we, re- 
lying upon the covenant of thy grace, have 
been permitted to consecrate this child unto thee 
in holy baptism, and that thou hast now set upon it 
the seal of thine adoption. Grant that its baptism 
may be made effectual to the end for which it was 
instituted, and that it may die more and more unto 
sin, and have power to overcome the world, the flesh, 
and the devil ; so that as it grows in years, it may 
grow in wisdom and in favor with God and man, as 
did the holy child Jesus. Keep it, we humbly be- 
seech thee, ever more under thy faithful care and 
protection ; defend it from all the assaults of its 
enemies, and preserve it by thy mighty power in 
all the conflicts and struggles in which it may be 



106 



HOLY BAPTISM. 



called to engage ; so that it may be made a par- 
taker of Christ's resurrection, and at last, with the 
residue of thy people, inherit thine everlasting 
kingdom. Amen. 

Our Father who art in heaven, &c. 

Then shall the minister address the parents, or sponsors, as fol- 
lows : 

T^EAELY beloved, having now, in accordance 
J J with the teachings of God's word and the 
practice of his people in all ages, consecrated this 
child to the service of the triune God, it behooves 
you to give heed to the vows and obligations you 
have assumed. Endeavor faithfully, both by pre- 
cept and example, so to instruct and train this 
child that it may in due time ratify and take upon 
itself the vows and obligations now made in its be- 
half, by heartily surrendering itself to the Lord J esus 
Christ, and making a public profession of his name. 
To this end, it should early be made acquainted 
with the sacred scriptures, with the doctrines and 
duties of our holy religion, as set forth in the Cate- 
chism, and such other things, which, as a Christian, 
it ought to know and believe for its comfort and 
salvation. 

And may the blessing of God the Father, the 
Son, and the Holy Ghost rest upon, and abide with 
you always. Amen. 



BAPTISM OF INFANTS. 



107 



III. 

For a sick child. 

Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made 
heaven and earth. Amen. 

DEARLY beloved, whether we live, we live 
unto the Lord, and whether we die, we die 
unto the Lord: whether we live or die, therefore, 
we are the Lord's. This comfort should at all 
times be taken to heart; but especially under the 
circumstances in which you have brought this 
child for holy baptism. And since our only conso- 
lation in life and in death is, that we belong to our 
faithful Saviour Jesus Christ, who with his most 
precious blood hath fully satisfied for all our sins, 
we do now commit this child into his hands, with 
the confident assurance, that he will make all things 
subservient to . its salvation, whether living, or 
dying, both in the life that now is, and that which is 
to come. For when upon earth he said: Suffer the 
little children to come unto me, and forbid them 
not; for of such is the kingdom of God. Yerily I 
say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the 
kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter 
therein. And he took them up in his arms, and put 
his hands upon them and blessed them. (Mark x. 
12-17.) 

Let us now unitedly confess our undoubted 
Christian faith : 

I believe in God the Father, &c. 

Do you desire that this child be baptized in this 



108 



HOLY BAPTISM. 



faith, and receive the seal of divine adoption? If 
so, answer: We do. 

Do you solemnly promise to train up this child 
in the doctrines and duties of our holy religion, and 
if its life be spared, to use all proper efforts to bring 
it to a saving knowledge of God, and of his Son 
Jesus Christ? If so, answer: We do. 

The minister shall then pronounce aloud the name of the child, 
and say, as he applies the water freely to it: 

N. N. I baptize thee in the name of the Father 
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Then laying his right hand on the head of the child, he shall say: 

Living, live thou unto the Lord ; 

Dying, die thou unto the Lord; 

Living, or dying, be thou evermore the Lord's. 

Let us pray. 

FATHER in heaven, glorify thy grace in this 
child which we have now consecrated to thee 
and thy Son Jesus Christ. It is thine, and thy love 
is immeasurably greater than the love of a father, 
or a mother. Do thou, therefore, as seemeth good 
in thy sight: not our will, but thine, O Lord, be 
done. If thou wilt spare its life, we beseech thee 
to preserve it in the grace of the covenant, so that 
it may grow up under thy faithful care to thine 
honor, and to the joy of its parents. But should it 
be thy will to take it at this time into the heavenly 
home of thy children, help us to bow with submis- 
sion to thy righteous dealing. Thou hast redeemed 
it, O Lord God of truth. Into thy hands we commit 



BAPTISM OF ADULTS. 



109 



it, with the full assurance that thou doest all things 
well. 

Our Father who art in heaven, &c. 

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love 
of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost be 
with you all. Amen. 

BAPTISM OF ADULTS. 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and 
of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

DEARLY beloved, our Lord Jesus Christ hath 
declared : Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except 
a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he can 
not enter into the kingdom of God. That which is 
born of the flesh, is flesh ; and that which is born of 
the Spirit, is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto 
thee, ye must be born again. The wind bloweth 
where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound there- 
of, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and 
whither it goeth : so is every one that is born of 
the Spirit. (John iii. 5-8.) 

In these words our Saviour Jesus Christ teaches 
us, that we are all by nature in a sinful condi- 
tion, and must be washed and cleansed from our 
sins, before we can be admitted to the favor and fel- 
lowship of God. To encourage us to seek for deliv- 
erance from this state of ruin and misery, he prom- 
ises unto us, if we repent and believe in him, to 
grant unto us the remission of all our sins, for the 
sake of the one sacrifice which he offered upon the 



110 



HOLY BAPTISM. 



cross, and to renew us by his Holy Spirit in his own 
likeness. To confirm our faith in this exceeding 
great and precious promise, he said unto his disci- 
ples: Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, bap- 
tizing them in the name of the Father, and of the 
Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to ob- 
serve all things whatsoever I have commanded you : 
and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of 
the world. (Matt, xxviii, 19, 20.) 

When thus baptized in the name of the Father, 
God assures us, that he will, for the sake of Christ 
his Son, be our God and Father, and will provide 
for us all things needful for soul and body; and 
that he will, furthermore, overrule all the evils that 
come upon us in this valley of tears for our advant- 
age. 

And when we are baptized in the name of the 
Son, our blessed Saviour assures us, that we have 
received of God the remission of our sins for the 
sake of his death upon the cross, and that he will, 
by his Holy Spirit, bestow upon us his members 
heavenly grace, and so renew us that we may more 
and more die unto sin, and live unto righteousness ; 
and that he, as our head, will also finally take us his 
members up to himself into heavenly joy and 
glory. 

And when, in like manner, we are baptized in 
the name of the Holy Ghost, the divine Comforter 
assures us, that he will make us, by a true faith, 
partakers of Christ and all his benefits, and that he 
will comfort us and abide with us for ever. 

It is in this way the triune God meets us in the 
covenant of holy baptism, and gives us infinitely 



BAPTISM OF ADULTS. 



Ill 



great and precious promises. And as there are in 
all covenants two parts, so we, also, on our part, 
pledge ourselves, that we will in all time to come 
renounce the world, the devil, and our corrupt na- 
ture, and cleave to this one God, Father, Son, and 
Holy Ghost, and walk in a new and holy life. 

The minister shall say: 

Profess now with me our undoubted Christian 
faith, in which you desire to be baptized. 

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker 
of heaven and earth : 

And in Jesus Christ his only begotten Son our 
Lord ; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, 
born of the Virgin Mary ; suffered under Pontius 
Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he de- 
scended into hell ; the third day he rose from the 
dead ; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the 
right hand of God the Father Almighty; from 
thence he shall come to judge the quick and the 
dead. 

I believe in the Holy Ghost ; the holy catholic 
Church ; the communion of saints ; the forgiveness 
of sins ; the resurrection of the body, and the life 
everlasting. Amen. 

BELOVED in the Lord Jesus, I now ask you 
solemnly, in the presence of God and this con- 
gregation : Do you sincerely desire to be baptized 
in this faith, and thus receive of God the seal of 
your adoption ? Answer : I do. 

Do you believe that the Holy Scriptures of the 



112 



HOLY BAPTISM. 



Old and New Testament are divinely inspired, have 
divine authority, and are the perfect and only rule 
of faith and life ? Answer : I do. 

Do you believe that the doctrine which is re- 
ceived and publicly professed in the Reformed 
Church, and embodied in the Heidelberg Cate- 
chism, is truly the doctrine of the Holy Scriptures ; 
will you live agreeably to it, adorn it in all things, 
and demean yourself as a true follower of Jesus 
Christ; and submit yourself, at all times, to the 
rules and discipline of this Church, and seek to 
advance its peace and prosperity ? Answer : I do 

The person or persons to be baptized shall then kneel and the 
minister pronounce the name audibly, and say: 

N. N. I baptize thee in the name of the Father 
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

After a short pause, the minister shall lay his right hand on the 
head of the person ^r persons baptized, still kneeling, and confirm 
them severally, saying : 

The very God of peace sanctify you wholly ; 
and I pray God your whole spirit, soul, and body be 
preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord 
Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that hath called you, 
who will also do it. Amen. 

Then, all rising, the minister shall offer the following prayer: 

E give thee hearty thanks, most merciful 
Father, that it hath pleased thee to give 
this brother grace to know the greatness of his 
sins and misery, to cast himself in true repentance 




BAPTISM OF ADULTS. 



113 



and faith upon Jesus Christ as his only Saviour, to 
confess him before men, and to receive in holy bap- 
tism the sign and seal of the remission of his sins, 
and of his adoption as a child of God. Help him, 
we humbly pray thee, that being buried with Christ 
into his death, he may rise with him from the dead, 
and henceforth walk in newness of life, and be 
made a partaker of his glorious resurrection; so 
that, finally, with the residue of thy people, he may 

i inherit thine everlasting kingdom, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord; to whom, with thee and the Holy 

1 Ghost, be all honor and praise, world without end. 
Amen. 

BELOVED in the Lord, I give you the right hand 
of Christian fellowship. Walk worthy of your 
"calling. Fight the good fight' of faith. Remember 
that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but 
against principalities, against powers, against the 
rulers of the darkness of this world, and against 
spiritual wickedness in high places. Be faithful 
i unto death, and you shall receive a crown of life. 
Amen. 



HE ioLY ioTOION, 

[The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper should be celebrated, I 
practicable, four times during the year, on Christinas, or the Sunday 
nearest thereto, on Easter, on Pentecost, and in Autumn. Due notice 
should be given of the service, and the congregation admonished 
to make suitable preparation for its worthy observance. 

On the day preceding the communion, the preparatory service shall 
be held, at which all the communicant members, as far as possible, 
should be present.] 



THE PREPARATORY SERVICE. 
I. 

After the invocation and singing, the minister shall read the Ten 
Commandments , together with the 51st Psalm, or some other selection 
of penitential passages of the Holy Scriptures. Then the minister 
shall say: 

Let us pjray. 

MOST holy Lord our God: we acknowledge 
with reverence and fear the holiness and 
perfection of thy law, in which thou hast made 
known thy will, and declared unto us what thou 
dost require at our hands. But we confess with 
shame, O Lord, that in many things we have come 
short of thy just requirements, and transgressed thy 
precepts. We have done what thou hast forbidden, 
and have neglected to do what thou hast enjoined. 
Even when we would do good, evil is present with 



THE PREPARATORY SERVICE. 



115 



us. The commandment which was ordained unto 
life, we have found to be unto death; for thou hast 
said, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all 
things written in the book of the law, to do them. 

But, most righteous and merciful Father, we 
flee from the dreadful sentence of thy broken law, 
to the grace and truth provided in Jesus Christ for 
those, who turn unto thee in sincere repentance 
and faith. What the law could not do for us, in 
that it was weak through the flesh, thou, sending 
thine own Son, in the likeness of sinful flesh, and 
ior sin, didst condemn sin in the flesh, that the 
righteousness of thy law might be fulfilled in those 
who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 
And now we praise thee, that in him we no longer 
stand before the mount which burned with fire, 
amid blackness, and darkness, and tempest, but are 
come unto Mount Sion, and unto the city of the 
living God, through the Mediator of a new and bet- 
ter covenant, by whom we are redeemed from the 
curse of the law, and raised unto the adoption 
of sons. For his sake, we this day again fervently 
beseech thee, be merciful to our past unrighteous- 
ness, and remember no more our sins and iniqui- 
ties. Put thy law into our mind, and write it in our 
hearts. Let it be a lamp unto our feet, and a light 
unto our path ; that we may henceforth serve thee 
without fear, in holiness and righteousness, all the 
days of our life ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 

Then shall follow a Sermon or Exhortation, appropriate to the oc- 
casion ; after which the minister, taking his place in the chancel, shall 
address the people as follows : 



116 



THE HOLY COMMUNION. 



BELOVED in the Lord, through the great 
mercy of God our heavenly Father, we are 
called again to commemorate the death of our 
Lord Jesus Christ, in the sacrament of his crucified 
body and shed blood. It becomes us, therefore, de- 
voutly to call to mind the true nature and design 
of this holy service, and so to examine ourselves, 
that we may come to it with due preparation of 
mind and heart, remembering the words of St. 
Paul : Let a man examine himself, and so let him 
eat of that bread, and drink of that cup ; for he 
that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and 
drinketh judgment to himself, not discerning the 
Lord's body. 

True self-examination requires us, solemnly to 
consider the greatness of our sins and condemna- 
tion, and deeply to humble ourselves, in sincere 
repentance, before God, on account of them; con- 
sidering that the wrath of God against sin is so 
great, that he hath punished the same in his be- 
loved Son, Jesus Christ, with the bitter and ac- 
cursed death of the cross. Let each one, there- 
fore, earnestly consider the requirements of God's 
law : Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all 
thy heart, with all thy soul, with all thy mind, and 
with all thy strength ; and thou shalt love thy 
neighbor as thyself. And whereas we have never 
perfectly fulfilled these great commandments, but 
have continually come short of them, they show 
us our extreme misery in ourselves, and the eter- 
nal woe to which our transgessions expose us. 

Wherefore, I ask : Do you sincerely unite with 



THE PREPARATORY SERVICE. 



117 



me in confessing and deploring your manifold sins 
and shortcomings, and in desiring pardon and 
righteousness ; through the grace of our Lord 
Jesus Christ ? Answer : I do. 

Do you heartily believe, that through the great 
mercy of God the Father, Jesus Christ his Son hath 
fully satisfied upon the cross for all your sins, and 
hath procured for you righteousness and eternal 
life ; and, renouncing all self-righteousness, do you 
confidently rely on him alone for pardon and sal- 
vation ? Answer : I do. 

Furthermore, is it your sincere desire, and sol- 
emn purpose, by your whole life to show forth your 
hearty gratitude to God, for the great love where- 
with he hath loved you ? Do you unfeignedly re- 
nounce all sinful desires and lusts, all enmity and 
envy, all pride and covetousness, and every other 
sin ; and will you earnestly strive, by the grace of 
God, to walk uprightly before him, abounding in 
all the fruits of the Spirit — in love, joy, peace, long- 
suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, charity, and 
temperance, and, so devoting yourselves as living 
sacrifices unto God, glorify him in your bodies and 
spirits, which are his ? If this be your sincere de- 
sire and purpose, let each one answer : It is, the 
Lord helping me. 

As many of you, therefore, as thus sincerely 
feel and deplore your sins, and yet trust that God 
is merciful to you for Jesus' sake, and have formed 
in your hearts these holy purposes, unite with me 
in humble confession and prayer at the throne of 
his heavenly grace. Let us pray. 

10 



118 



THE HOLY COMMUNION. 



Here let all kneel, whilst the minister offers the following confes- 
sion and prayer. 



LMIGHTY and everlasting God : we acknowl- 



iLedge and confess before thy divine majesty, 
that we are sinners, conceived and born in sin, 
prone to do evil, unable of ourselves to do any 
good; and that by frequent transgression of thy 
holy commandments, we have incurred thy right- 
eous sentence of condemnation and death. But, O 
Lord, we do most heartily repent of all our sins : 
we condemn ourselves and our iniquities, and be- 
seech thee by thy grace to help our infirmities. 
Have mercy upon us, O God, and for the sake of 
thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, pardon all our offenses 
and shortcomings; and vouchsafe unto us the grace 
of the Holy Spirit, that we may henceforth die more 
and more unto sin, and bring forth the fruits of 
righteousness and holiness, to the praise of thy 
great name ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy 
name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in 
earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our 
daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we for- 
give our debtors. And lead us not into tempta- 
tion, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the 
kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. 
Amen. 

Then, all rising, the minister shall pronounce the following Declar- 

tion of Comfort. 

HEARKEN now unto the comforting assurance 
of the grace of God, promised by our Lord 
Jesus Christ unto all that truly repent and believe: 




THE PREPARATORY SERVICE. 



119 



God so loved the world, that he gave his only 
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him 
should not perish, but have everlasting life. 

Come nnto me. all ye that labor, and are heavy 
laden, and I will give you rest. 

Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast 
out. 

And the Apostle adds : This is a faithful saying, 
and worthy of all acceptation, that Jesus Christ 
came into the world to save sinners. 

Wherefore, dearly beloved, all of you, who with 
hearty repentance and true faith have turned unto 
God. may assuredly believe, that he has mercy 
upon you. and that he will confirm and strengthen 
you in all goodness, and finally bring you to ever- 
lasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Then shall be sung a Hymn together with a Doxology; or the 
Apostles' Creed shall be repeated, and the service be concluded with a 
Benediction. 

n. 

DEAELY beloved, we are assembled in the 
name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to prepare 
ourselves worthily to partake of the holy supper, 
instituted by our blessed Saviour in commemora- 
tion of his sufferings and death upon the cross. In 
this sacrament he presents himself as the Lamb of 
God, which taketh away the sin of the world; as 
the Lord who has redeemed us with his own pre- 
cious blood: whilst we. on our part, declare by com- 
ing to his table, our sincere desire to appropriate, 
with thankful hearts, the atoning merits of his 



120 



THE HOLY COMMUNION. 



death, to be clothed with his righteousness, and to 
be united more closely with him our living head. 

As the branch, our Saviour said, can not bear 
fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more 
can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye 
are the branches; he that abideth in me, and I in 
him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for with- 
out me ye can do nothing. Whosoever eateth my 
flesh and drinketh my Mood, abideth in me, and I 
in him. 

But as our Lord gave the bread and wine 
only to his disciples, so they alone who come to 
him by a true faith, renouncing all sin and unright- 
eousness, eat and drink to the joy and comfort of 
their hearts. For if we say we have no sin, we de- 
ceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us ; but if 
we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to for- 
give us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unright- 
eousness. 

Let us, therefore, bear in mind, that they eat 
and drink judgment to themselves, who come to 
the Lord's table in their self-righteousness, and 
with impenitent hearts. For though they confess 
the Lord Jesus with their lips, they deny and re- 
ject him by their sins. 

All, therefore, who have no desire to turn from 
the works of self-righteousness to the living God; 
all who indulge in hatred, anger, revenge, covet- 
ousness, and other sinful lusts, should abstain from 
this holy sacrament, so long as they remain in their 
impenitency ; lest they eat and drink judgment to 
themselves, not discerning the Lord's body. 

Wherefore, dearly beloved, that you may pro- 



THE PREPARATORY SERVICE. 



121 



fess, as in the presence of God, your desire to ap- 
proach the Lord's table worthily, I ask you the fol- 
lowing questions : 

Do you deplore and acknowledge your manifold 
sins and shortcomings, heartily repent of them 
seek divine forgiveness, renounce your own right- 
eousness, and long after the grace and fellowship of 
Jesus Christ? Answer: I do. 

Do you receive and confess Jesus Christ as the 
only and all-sufficient Redeemer from sin and 
death ; and do you seek from him alone forgive- 
ness of sin, salvation, and eternal life ? Answer : 
I do. 

Is it your sincere purpose, to show forth in your 
whole life, your thankfulness to God for his mercy, 
by denying yourselves all ungodliness and worldly 
lusts, by living soberly, righteously, and godly in 
this present world; and will you put on, as the 
elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, 
kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suf- 
fering, forbearing one another, and forgiving one 
another, even as Christ has forgiven you: and 
above all, will you put on charity, which is the 
bond of perfectness ? Answer : We so promise, 
the Lord helping us. 

All those who thus consecrate themselves anew 
to the Lord, may rest assured, that their sins are 
graciously pardoned for the sake of the infinite 
merits of Jesus Christ, and that they may enjoy a 
sense of this pardon so long as they continue in 



122 



THE HOLY COMMUNION. 



him: for if our faith is weak, we know that the 
Lord is mighty, and being justified in him as our 
righteousness, we have peace with God, and are ac- 
cepted of him. To this end the Lord Jesus Christ 
instituted his last supper, that we might commune 
with him in joy and thankfulness, until he shall 
appear in glory to receive us into the kingdom of 
his Father. 

Let us pray. 

(All kneeling) 

MOST merciful God, our heavenly Father : we 
give thee hearty thanks for the institution of 
thy holy supper, as a visible sign and seal of thy 
grace, confirming unto us thereby thy covenant, to 
the end that our faith may be strengthened in Christ 
Jesus thy Son, and that we may be assured of a 
saving communion with his crucified body and shed 
blood. Desiring again to approach the table of our 
Lord, we humbly beseech thee to grant us thy Holy 
Spirit, that we may, in true repentance, and with a 
contrite spirit and broken heart, hunger after the 
living bread from heaven, even Jesus Christ our 
Lord, of which if any man eat, he shall never die. 

Grant us all that true saving faith, by which we 
lay hold of the merits of thy dear Son ; and by thy 
Holy Spirit more fully work in us an assured con- 
fidence, that all our sins are forgiven, for the sake 
of his passion and death upon the cross ; so that, 
being crucified together with Christ, we may live; 
yet not we, but may Christ live in us; and the life 
which we henceforth live in the flesh, may we live 
by the faith of the Son of God, who loved us, and 
gave himself for us. 



THE COMMUNION SERVICE. 



123 



And we fervently entreat thee, so to unite our 
hearts in the bonds of brotherly love, that as mem- 
bers of one body, we may seek each other's wel- 
fare, and love and forgive each other, even as thou 
hast loved and forgiven us in Christ Jesus thy Son. 

Bestow on us, also, we pray thee, all needful 
grace and strength, that we may wholly renounce 
the world, the flesh, and the devil, and steadfastly 
devote ourselves as living sacrifices of thankfulness 
to thee. So that we may patiently endure what- 
ever crosses and trials thou mayest see fit to lay 
upon us in this valley of tears, until we be received 
finally into the eternal, fellowship and blessedness 
of thy Son, in thy heavenly kingdom : to whom, 
with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be honor and glory, 
world without end. Amen. 

Our Father who art in heaven, &c. 

THE COMMUNION SERVICE. 
I. 

When the Lord's supper is to be administered, the order of serv- 
ce shall be the same as is appointed for the Festival Days, or for the 
morning service on the Lord's day. After the sermon the offerings of 
the people for the relief of the poor, or some other benevolent ob- 
ject, shall be gathered. During the collection an appropriate Hymn or 
Chant may be sung. Then the minister, taking his place at the table, 
shall uncover the elements, and say : 

BELOVED in the Lord, God so loved the world, 
that he gave his only begotten Son, that who- 
soever believeth in him should not perish, but have 
everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the 



124 



THE HOLY COMMUNION. 



world to condemn the world, but that the world 
through him might be saved. And the more fully 
to show forth the promise of the gospel, and to seal 
unto us the remission of our sins, and to assure us 
of eternal life through J esus Christ, he hath gra- 
ciously added to the word of that promise, this 
blessed sacrament of the crucified body and shed 
blood of his dear Son, as the certain sign and cov- 
enant pledge of his abounding grace. 

Wherefore, St. Paul, testifying by the Holy 
Spirit of the true purpose and design of this holy 
supper, declares (1 Cor. xi.), For I have received 
of the Lord, that which I also delivered unto you, 
that the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he 
was betrayed, took bread: and when he had given 
thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat; this is my 
body, which is broken for you : this do in remem- 
brance of me. After the same manner also he took 
the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is 
the new testament in my blood : this do ye, as oft 
as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often 
as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show 
the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore whoso- 
ever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the 
Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and 
blood of the Lord. But let a man examine him- 
self, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of 
that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unwor- 
thily, eateth and drinketh judgment to himself, 
not discerning the Lord's body. 

The true commemoration of our Lord in this 
holy supper requires us heartily to believe, that 
Jesus Christ was sent into the world by the Father, 



THE COMMUNION SERVICE. 



125 



according to the promise made to our first parents ; 
that he took upon himself our flesh and blood; that 
in the same he rendered complete obedience nnto 
the divine lav, fulfilling for us all righteousness. 
But especially are we to remember, with believing 
hearts, all that he suffered when' under the burden 
of our sins, and of the wrath of God; when he sweat 
as it were great drops of blood in the garden ; when 
he was bound, that we might be released; when he 
endured reproach, that we might not be put to 
shame ; when he was sentenced to death, that we 
might be acquitted at the judgment-seat of God; 
and, above all, when he permitted his body to be 
nailed to the cross, that he might there blot out 
our sins; abasing himself unto the deepest shame 
and anguish of body and soul, when he cried out 
with a loud voice ; My God, my God, why hast thou 
forsaken me? 

We are to remember and believe, that he suf- 
fered all this, in order that we might find accept- 
ance with God, and never be forsaken ; and that he 
thus sealed the new and everlasting covenant of 
grace and reconciliation, with the shedding of his 
blood, and with his death. 

(Consecration.) 

To confirm our faith in this covenant of mercy, 
our Lord Jesus Christ, the same night in which he 
was betrayed, took tread (here the minister shall 
take some of the bread in his hand) ; and when lie 
had given thanks, he brake it (here the minister 
shall break the bread), and said, Take, eat; this is 



126 



THE HOLY COMMUNION. 



my body which is broken for you: this do in re- 
membrance of me. 

After the same manner also he toolc the cup 
(here the minister shall take the cup into his hand), 
when he had supped, saying, This cup is the New 
Testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye 
drink it, in remembrance of me. 

As often, therefore, as ye eat of this bread, and 
drink of this cup, ye shall be reminded and assured, 
as by a certain memorial and pledge of his love and 
faithfulness to you ; and that he feeds and nour- 
ishes your souls to everlasting life, with his cruci- 
fied body and shed blood, as assuredly as ye re- 
ceive from the hands of the minister, and eat and 
drink, the bread and cup of the Lord, in remem- 
brance of him. 

From this we see, that he fixes our faith and 
confidence upon his perfect sacrifice, once offered 
upon the cross, as the only foundation and ground 
of our redemption. For by his death he hath re- 
moved the cause of our misery, and hath procured 
for us the quickening Spirit, that we, through the 
Spirit dwelling in Christ as the head, and in us as 
his members, may have true fellowship with him ? 
and be made partakers of all his benefits. 

Another end for which we are to use this holy sup- 
per is, that by the same Spirit we may all be more 
closely united, as members of one body in Christ- 
For we, being many, are one bread and one body ; 
for we are all partakers of that one bread. Thus 
we, being incorporated with Christ by true faith, 
are through brotherly love to be as one body, for 
the sake of Christ our Lord, who first loved us, that 
we might truly love one another. 



THE COMMUNION SERVICE. 



127 



And now, that we may be able to approach the 
table of the Lord with acceptance and joy, let us 
again humbly confess unto him our sins, and fer- 
vently implore the help and comfort of his Holy 
Spirit. 

Let us pray. 

ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father : we un- 
worthy sinners, coming into thy presence, and 
filled with a sense of thy holiness, do abhor our- 
selves, and repent in dust and ashes. We have 
sinned, we have greviously sinned against thee, in 
thought, in word, and in deed, provoking most justly 
thy wrath and indignation against us. The remem- 
brance of our transgressions and shortcomings fills 
us with sorrow and shame. Yet now, most mer- 
ciful Father, have mercy upon us; for the sake of 
Jesus Christ forgive us all our sins. Purify us by 
thy Holy Spirit from all uncleanness. Enable us 
heartily to forgive others, as we beseech thee to 
forgive us ; and grant that we may hereafter serve 
thee in newness of life ; to the glory of thy holy 
name. 

We beseech thee, also, most merciful God and 
Father, that in the holy supper, thou wouldst con- 
strain us to yield ourselves continually more and 
more, in true faith, unto thy dear Son, who nourisheth 
and quickeneth our hearts with his true body and 
blood, so that we may no longer live in sin, but that 
he may live in us and we in him ; and we be thus 
made more really and fully to partake of the bless- 
ings of the eternal covenant of grace, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. 

Grant unto us thy grace, that we may henceforth 



128 



THE HOLY COMMUNION. 



cheerfully bear our cross, deny ourselves, confess 
our Lord and Saviour, and in all our tribulations, 
with uplifted hearts, expect our Lord Jesus Christ 
from heaven, when he will make our mortal bodies 
like unto his own most glorious body, and receive 
us to himself into eternal life. 

Be pleased, also, O Lord, to bless these elements 
of bread and wine, that we receiving them in re- 
membrance of the passion and death of thy dear 
Son, may by faith be made partakers of his cruci- 
fied body and shed blood, with all his benefits, to 
our spiritual nourishment and the glory of thy holy 
name. 

Confirm us, moreover, by this holy supper, in the 
catholic, undoubted faith of thy Church, whereof 
we make united confession, saying: 

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker 01 
heaven and earth: 

And in Jesus Christ his only begotten Son, our 
Lord ; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born 
of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, 
was crucified, dead and buried; he descended into 
hell ; the third day he rose from the dead ; he as- 
cended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand 
of God the Father Almighty ; from thence he shall 
come to judge the quick and the dead. 

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic 
Church ; the communion of saints ; the forgiveness 
of sins; the resurrection of the body, and the life 
everlasting. Amen. 

Our Father who art in heaven, &c. 

And now, beloved in the Lord, that we may be 



THE COMMUNION SERVICE. 



129 



fed with the true heavenly bread, Jesus Christ, let' 
us not permit our hearts to cleave unto this visible 
bread and wine, but lift them up in faith to heaven, 
where Christ, our Kedeemer and Advocate, sitteth 
at the right hand of his heavenly Father, not doubt- 
ing that our souls shall be nourished with his true 
body and blood, through the Holy Ghost, as cer- 
tainly as we receive these sacred elements in be- 
lieving remembrance of him. 

The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you 
all. Amen. 

An appropriate sacramental hymn shall then be announced, and 
the communicants be invited to approach the table. The minister 
shall then proceed to the distribution of the elements. In giving the 
bread he shall say : 

The bread which we break, is the communion 
of the body of Christ. 

Giving the cup, he shall say : 

The cup of blessing which we bless, is the com- 
munion of the blood of Christ. 

Each table of communicants shall be dismissed with a benediction ; 
or with a few words of exhortation, closing with the words : 

Depart in peace. 

When all have communed, the minister shall say : 

Let us lift up our hearts in united thanksgiving 
to God. 

BLESS the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within 
me bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O 



130 



THE HOLZ COMMUNION. 



my soul, and forget not all his benefits ; who for- 
giveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy dis- 
eases ; who redeemeth thy life from destruction ; 
who crowneth thee with loving-kindness and ten- 
der mercies. The Lord is merciful and gracious, 
slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will 
not always chide ; neither will he keep his anger 
for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins • 
nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For 
as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is 
his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as 
the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our 
transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his 
children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. 
Who spared not his own Son, but hath delivered 
him up for us all ; wherefore should he not with 
him also freely give us all things. For it; while we 
were yet enemies, we were reconciled unto God ? 
by the death of his Son, much more, being recon- 
ciled, shall we be saved by his life. Wherefore, 
our hearts and lips shall show forth his praise from 
henceforth for ever more. 

We praise thee, O Lord our Redeemer, who hast 
so graciously visited us, and delivered us from sin 
and from death ; and admitted us into the blessed 
fellowship of the sons of God. We praise thee, 
that in this holy sacrament thou hast instituted a 
memorial of thine infinite love, and that at this 
time we have been permitted again to enjoy "the 
communion of thy body and blood, to the comfort- 
ing and strengthening of our faith and hope. May 
we henceforth cleave unto thee, and by sincere 
confession of thy name ; by a holy walk and con- 



THE COMMUNION SERVICE. 



131 



versation, and by perseverance in the way of life, 
glorify thee on earth ; and, at last, with the whole 
congregation of the redeemed, see thee as thou art, 
in thy heavenly kingdom, and eternally magnify 
the riches of thine abounding grace ; and unto 
Thee, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, be all 
honor and praise, world without end. Amen. 

Then shall be sung a suitable psalm or hymn ; or the Te Deum or 
Gloria in Excelsis may be sung or chanted. After which the minister 
shall pronounce the benediction : 

The peace of God, which passeth all under- 
standing, keep your hearts and minds in the knowl- 
edge and love of God, and of his Son, Jesus Christ 
our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the 
Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst 
you, and remain with you always. Amen. 

II. 

BELOVED in the Lord, let us give devout atten- 
tion to the words of the institution of the holy 
supper, as given by the Apostle Paul (in the 11th 
chapter of his first Epistle to the Corinthians): 

For I have received of the Lord that which 
also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus, the 
same night in which he was betrayed, took bread : 
and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and 
said, Take, eat; this is my body, which is broken 
for you : this do in remembrance of me. After the 
same manner also he took the cup ,when he had 
supped, saying, This cup is the New Testament in 
my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in re- 



132 



THE HOLY COMMUNION. 



membrance of me. For as often as ye eat this 
bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's 
death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat 
this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unwor- 
thily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the 
Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let 
him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For 
he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and 
drinketh judgment to himself, not discerning the 
Lord's body. 

From these words we see, that our Lord Jesus 
Christ instituted this holy supper, that it should be 
partaken of only by his disciples; and that with 
reverence and purity it is to be celebrated in his 
Church until the end of time. No one can there- 
fore become a partaker of this mystical exhibition 
of the one offering of Christ upon the cross, who 
is not a member of his Church, and who does not 
by his life prove that he stands in living union and 
fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Wherefore, according to the exhortation of the 
apostle, let each one examine and prove his own con- 
science, to know whether he has true repentance 
and sorrow for his sins; whether he desires hence- 
forward to walk before God in holiness and love ; 
but especially whether he puts his whole trust in 
the mercy of God, and seeks his salvation alone in 
Jesus Christ; and whether, renouncing all enmity 
and malice, he doth truly and honestly purpose to 
live henceforward in harmony and brotherly love 
with all men. 

If we have this testimony in our hearts, before 
God, that such is our sincere desire, let us not doubt 



THE COMMUNION SERVICE. 



133 



that he adopts us as his children, and that our Lord 
Jesus invites us to his table, to partake of this most 
holy sacrament, which he himself instituted. 

And although we feel within ourselves much 
frailty and misery, and are conscious that our faith 
is yet weak and imperfect, and that we are often in- 
clined to distrust and unbelief, and that we come 
far short of being so entirely devoted to the service 
of God, as is our bounden duty : nevertheless since 
our Lord has been graciously pleased to implant his 
gospel in our hearts, and has enabled us to resist 
unbelief; and has given us an earnest desire to re- 
nounce ourselves, and to follow after his righteous- 
ness and his holy commandments; therefore, let us 
know assuredly, that these remaining sins and im- 
perfections do not prevent his receiving us, and 
making us worthy partakers of this spiritual food. 
For we do not come to the table of the Lord to tes- 
tify that we are perfect and righteous in ourselves ; 
but, on the contrary, by earnestly seeking our life 
in Jesus Christ alone, we acknowledge that we are 
in the midst of death and ruin. Let us, therefore, 
j rightly understand, and hold firmly to the great 
I truth, that the worthiness which our Lord requires 
of us, consists in this, that with true sincerity, we 
acknowledge our unworthiness, and condemnation, 
that we have genuine repentance and sorrow for 
our sins, and that we place our entire hope and 
trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Above all, let us have firm faith in the promise 
I which Christ Jesus, who is the everlasting Truth 
itself, here places before our eyes, that he will as- 
suredly grant us his true tody and blood, so that 



134 



THE HOLY COMMUNION. 



we possess him entirely and fully, and that Tie live 
in us, and we in him. And although we see be- 
fore us only bread and wine, let us not doubt that, 
by the operation of the Holy Spirit, he accom- 
plishes in our souls all that he exhibits to us by 
these visible signs, namely, that he himself, as the 
true Bread from heaven, feeds and nourishes us unto 
eternal life. Let us not be unthankful for the in- 
finite goodness of our Lord, who displays at this 
table the riches of his love. For, in giving himself 
to us, he testifies that all he has is ours. 

Let us, therefore, receive this sacrament as a 
pledge, that all his sufferings and obedience are as 
certainly ours, as if we had in our own persons suf- 
fered and made satisfaction for our sins to God. 
Let us not be so perverse as to keep back, when 
Christ invites us so graciously and kindly to draw 
nigh. " Rather let us consider the high value of his 
precious gift, and with sincere desire present our- 
selves as a sacrifice before him, that he himself 
may make us worthy to enter, more and more, into 
communion with him. 

Wherefore, let us raise our hearts and minds to 
heaven, where Christ is, in the glory of his Father, 
and whence we expect his coming at that great day 
for our redemption. 

Let us pray. 

IT is very meet, right, and^our bounden duty, that 
we should, at all times, and in all places, give 
thanks unto thee, O Lord God, holy Father, eternal 
God, that thou, 

(At Christmas :) didst give Jesus Christ, thine 



THE COMMUNION SERVICE. 



135 



only-begotten Son, to become incarnate for our re- 
demption. 

(At Good Friday:) didst give thy Son, our Lord 
and Kedeemer, to die for us. 

(At Easter:) didst raise the Lord of glory from 
the dead. 

(At Pentecost :) didst pour out thy Spirit, and 
found thy Church. 

(In Autumn:) art our everlasting, faithful, cov- 
enant God, in whom we trust, in hope of the glo- 
rious coming again of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Wherefore, with angels, and archangels, and 
with all the company of heaven, we laud and mag- 
nify thy glorious name : ever more praising thee, 
and saying: 

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth : heaven 
and earth are full of the majesty of thy glory: 
Glory be to thee, O Lord most High ! 

Lord Jesus Christ, who didst once offer up 
thy body on the cross for the remission of our sins, 
and ordain that it should be our food unto eternal 
life, grant us, at this time, the benediction of thy 
grace, that, with true sincerity of heart, and earn- 
est desire, we may receive this heavenly gift; so 
that in faith we may feed upon thy crucified body 
and shed blood; yea, upon thyself, since thou, true 
Man and God, art the Bread from heaven, by which 
we live. Enable us henceforth to live not unto 

; ourselves, nor according to our corrupt natures; 

! but do thou live in us. 

I O most merciful and faithful Father; make us 
partakers of thy new and everlasting covenant, the 
i covenant of thy grace, and grant us the assurance 



136 



THE HOLY COMMUNION. 



that thou wilt be a gracious Father unto us ever 
more, and that thou dost not reckon unto us our 
sins, but that thou wilt give us, as thy dear chil- 
dren and heirs, all things necessary for soul and 
body. And, without ceasing, we will praise and 
glorify and bless thee for ever. 

And grant us now, Lord, that we may truly 
be partakers, at this time, of the holy communion 
of thy Son, that we may do this in remembrance 
of him, and show forth his atoning death. Enable 
us thereby to receive new power and strength unto 
faith and good works, that we may the more heart- 
ily confess ourselves to be thy children, and ever 
more rejoice in thee. 

Our Father who art in heaven, &c. Amen. 

[ Or, Confirm us, also, by this holy supper, in the 
catholic, undoubted faith of thy Church, whereof 
we make united confession, saying : I believe in 
God, &c] 

(Consecration.) 

To confirm our faith in this covenant of mercy, 

our Lord Jesus Christ, the same night in which he 
was betrayed^ took bread (here the minister shall 
take some of the. bread in his hand) ; and when he 
had given thanks, he brake it (here the minister 
shall break the bread), and said, Take, eat; this is 
my body which is broken for you: this do in re- 
membrance of me. 

After the same manner also he took the cup 
(here the minister shall take the cup into his 
hand), when he had supped, saying, This cup is 



THE COMMUNION SERVICE. 



137 



the New Testament in my blood: this do ye, as 
oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 

Then shall follow the distribution of the elements. "When all 
have communed, the minister shall offer this prayer : 

T TEAVENLT Father: we give thee unceasing 
XX praise and thanks, that upon us thou hast 
again conferred so rich a benefit, as to admit us to 
the communion of thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, 
whom thou didst deliver up to death for us, and hast 
now given for our food and nourishment unto eter- 
nal life. Vouchsafe unto us thy grace, that we may 
never forget these benefits; but, carrying them 
with us, engraven on our hearts, may we grow and 
increase in that faith which is effectual unto every 
good work. And the remainder of our lives will 
Ave consecrate to thy service ; through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. 

Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, 
good will toward men. We praise thee, we bless 
thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee, we give 
thanks to thee for thy great glory, O Lord God, 
heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. 

O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ : O 
Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that 
takest away the sin of the world, have mercy upon 
us. Thou that takest away the sin of the world, 
have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the 
sin of the world, receive our prayer. Thou that 
sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have 
mercy upon us. 

For thou only art holy : thou only art the Lord : 



138 



THE HOLY COMMUNION. 



tliou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most 
high in the glory of God the Father. Amen. 



SENTENCES, 

[Which may be used by the minister, during the distribution of 
the elements.] 

I am the bread of life (saith Jesus): he that 
cometh to me shall never hunger ; and he that be- 
lieveth on me shall never thirst. 

The Son of man came, to give his life a ransom 
for many. 

He was wounded for our transgressions ; he was 
braised for our iniquities : the chastisement of our 
peace was upon him ; and with his stripes we are 
healed. 

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted ; yet he 
opened not his mouth. 

Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our 
sorrows. 

Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away 
the sin of the world. 

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all ac- 
ceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world 
to save sinners ; of whom I am chief. 

Come unto n?e, all ye that labor and are heavy 
laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon 
you, and learn of me : for I am meek and lowly in 
heart : and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 

And now, little children, abide in him; that 
when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and 
not be ashamed at his coming. 

In this was manifested the love of God toward 



THE COMMUNION SERVICE. 



139 



us, because that God sent his only-begotten Son 
into the world, that we might live through him. 

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that 
he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation 
for our sins. 

He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same 
bringeth forth much fruit : for without me ye can 
do nothing. 

I am the living bread which came down from 
heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall 
live for ever : and the bread that I will give is 
my flesh, which 1 will give for the life of the world. 

I am the vine (saith Jesus), ye are the branches; 
abide in me, and I in you. 

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man 
lay down his life for his friends ; ye are my friends, 
if ye do whatsoever I command you. 

God so loved the world, that he gave his only- 
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him 
should not perish, but have everlasting life. 

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath 
bestowed on us, that we should be called the sons 
of God. 

We. know that when he shall appear, we shall 
be like him : for we shall see him as he is. 

It is a faithful saying, If we be dead with him, 
we shall also live with him : if we suffer, we shall 
also reign with him. 

Fear not, little flock: it is your Father's good 
pleasure to give you the kingdom. 

Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have 
entered into the heart of men, the things which 
God hath prepared for them that love him. 



140 



THE HOLY COMMUNION. 



Nevertheless, I live ; yet not I, but Christ liveth 
in me : and the life which I now live in the flesh, I 
live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, 
and gave himself for me. 

Your life is hid with Christ in God. 

Yet a little while, and he that shall come, will 
come, and will not tarry. Even so, come, Lord 
Jesus. 

III. 

THE COMMUNION OF THE SICK. 

The bread and wine having been placed upon a decently covered 
table, the minister shall say: 

Grace, mercy, and peace, be unto you from God 
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

BELOVED in the Lord, forasmuch as you desire 
to partake of the holy communion of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, for the comfort of your soul, and that 
you may openly testify your love to your Saviour, 
I exhort you earnestly to examine yourself, and sin- 
cerely to confess your sinfulness and guilt before 
the all seeing God. Be assured that if you heartily 
repent of your sins, and believe in the Lord Jesus 
Christ, he will bestow upon you the mercy and grace 
which he has promised to all who turn unto him 
with broken and contrite spirits. 

Wherefore, humble yourself before the Lord, 
and with a sincere heart follow me in the words of 
this prayer: 

Most merciful and gracious God : I, a poor sin- 
ner, confess before thy holy presence, that I have 



THE COMMUNION OF THE SICK. 



141 



often and in manifold ways, sinned against thee, in 
thought, in word, and in deed, and have thereby in- 
curred thy just displeasure. O Lord, I feel my 
great unworthiness. I dare not lift up my eyes to 
thee, if thou wilt enter into judgment with me, and 
deal with me according to my transgressions. 

Have mercy upon me, and pardon all my sins. 
Help me to condemn myself and flee to the cross 
of thy dear Son. My only refuge is thy grace. O 
deliver me from the guilt and the power of sin. 
Strengthen my faith, and my sincere purpose to 
forsake all sin, and make me obedient henceforth 
to thy holy will. Be merciful unto me, O God, and 
hear my prayer, according to thy great compassion 
in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. 

I ask you now, dear (brother), as in the presence 
of God, to answer the following questions : 

1. Forsaking all trust in yourself, and in your 
works, do you cast yourself entirely upon the mer- 
its of our blessed Saviour Jesus Christ, for the for- 
giveness of your sins, and your acceptance with 
God? Answer : I do. 

2. Will you submit yourself wholly to the will 
of God, and if he spare your life and lengthen your 
probation upon earth, will you yield him a cheerful 
and true obedience until the end of life? Answer: 
God helping me by his grace, I will do so. 

T^EARLY beloved, hearken now unto the com- 
JL/ forting assurance of the grace of God, prom- 
12 



142 



THE HOLY COMMUNION. 



ised by our Lord Jesus Christ unto all that truly re- 
pent and believe. 

God so loved the world, that he gave his only 
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him 
should not perish, but have everlasting life. 

Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy 
laden, and I will give you rest. 

Him that 'cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast 
out. 

And the apostle adds : This is a faithful saying, 
and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus 
came into the world to save sinners. 

Wherefore, dearly beloved, because of your true 
repentance and confession of sin, your firm faith in 
the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and your earnest 
resolution to be faithful unto death, you may as- 
suredly believe that God has mercy upon you, and 
that he will confirm and strengthen you in all 
goodness, and finally bring you to everlasting life : 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

[If the sick person be so weak as to make it necessary, the portion 
that now follows, until the Consecration, may be omitted.] 

Unite with roe now in making confession of our holy 
catholic faith : 

I believe in Grod the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven 
and earth : 

And in Jesns Christ his only-begotten Son, our Lord ; 
who was conceived by the Holy Grhost, born of the Virgin 
Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, 
and buried ; he descended into hell ; the third day he rose 
from the dead ; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the 
right hand of G-od the Father Almighty ; from thence he 
shall come to judge the quick and the dead. 



THE COMMUNION OF THE SICK. 



143 



I believe in the Holy Grhost ; the holy catholic Church ; 
the communion of saints ; the forgiveness of sins ; the res- 
urrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. 

DEARLY beloved, in the sacrament of his holy sup- 
per, our Lord has established a glorious memorial 
of his atoning death, and given us a visible sign and pledge 
of the grace of Grod. In that night in which he suffered 
the bitterest sorrow and anguish on our behalf,' he insti- 
tuted the supper, in order that we might become more fully 
partakers of his body, which he offered on the cross, as a 
sacrifice for us, and also of his blood, which he shed for 
the remission of sin. 

Let us pray. 

MERCIFUL Lord and Saviour, who for our sakes 
didst suffer thy body to be nailed to the cross : 
grant us thy grace, that we may worthily partake of the 
holy supper, in which thou assurest all, who come unto 
thee in true penitence and faith, of the forgiveness of their 
sins, and eternal life. Refresh us with the comforting pres- 
ence of thy Spirit ; and in this communion with thee, give 
us the joyful assurance that we are thine, and that no one 
shall be able to separate us from thee. Strengthen our 
faith, our love, our hope. Sanctify us wholly, and grant 
that, by the merit and power of thy suffering, thy death 
and thy resurrection, we may be preserved unto eternal 
life. Amen. 

If the elements have not been consecrated in the Church, the min- 
ister shall now consecrate them as follows : 

(Consecration.) 

Our Lord Jesus, tlie same nigJit in loMcJi Tie 
was betrayed, took bread (here the minister shall 



144 



THE HOLY COMMUNION. 



take some of the bread in his hand) ; and when Tie 
had given thanks, he brake it (here the minister 
shall break the bread), and said, Take, eat ; this 
is my body, which is broken for you: this do in 
remembrance of me. 

After the same manner also he took the cup 
(here the minister shall take the cup in his hand) ; 
when he had supped, saying, This cup is the New 
Testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye 
drink it, in remembrance of me. 

In presenting the bread, the minister shall say : 

The bread which we break, is the communion 
of the body of Christ. 

Giving the cup, he shall say : 

The cup of blessing which we bless, is the com- 
munion of the blood of Christ. 

In conclusion, the minister shall offer a free prayer, or the fol- 
lowing : 

OFATHEK of mercies, and God of all consola- 
tion, our only Help in time of need; look down 
with eyes of love and compassion upon this sick 
brother, here lying under thy hand in great 
weakness of body (and whose hour of departure 
may be near at hand). Strengthen him with thy 
grace and thy Spirit in the inner man, as the outer 
man grows weaker. Keep him in true faith in 
Jesus Christ, and grant him the comforting assur- 
ance, that the forgiveness of his sins is sealed in 
heaven. We know, O Lord, that all things are pos- 
sible with thee, and that if it be thy will, thou canst 



THE COMMUNION OF THE SICK. 



145 



even yet restore (him) to health. But if the time 
of (his) departure be at hand, we beseech thee to 
fit and prepare (him) for the hour of death, that 
(he) may depart in peace, and that (his) soul may 
be taken up into thy heavenly kingdom, through 
the merits of thy beloved Son, our Mediator, Jesus 
Christ. Amen. 

Or the following may be dictated to the sick person : 

My soul shall magnify the Lord, and my spirit 
rejoice in God my Saviour. 0, ever gracious and 
faithful God and Father : I thank thee that thou 
hast strengthened and refreshed me, by the partak- 
ing of thy holy supper. I beseech thee, for the 
sake of thy great compassion, that thou wilt through 
this communion sanctify my soul, that I may hum- 
bly submit to thy fatherly will ; that in the midst 
of trials and tribulations, I may be enabled to 
praise thy name ; and that at last I may finish my 
course with joy. Grant that I may ever be thine; 
and that neither things present, nor things to come, 
neither life nor death, may separate me from thy 
love in Christ Jesus my Lord. Amen. 

Benediction. 

The peace of God, which passeth all understand- 
ing, keep your heart and mind in the knowledge 
and love of God, and of his Son, Jesus Christ our 
Lord ; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Fa- 
ther, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be and remain 
with you always. Amen. 



)OK[FIRMATIONx 



Applicants for admission to the privileges of full membership in 
the Church, shall be received by Confirmation ; or, if they were not 
baptized in infancy, by Baptism and Confirmation. 

Confirmation may take place on a day specially appointed for that 
purpose ; or in connection with the Preparatory Service ; or on the 
day of the Holy Communion. 

After an appropriate sermon, the minister, taking his place in the 
chancel, shall address the congregation as follows : 

BELOVED in the Lord, the following persons, 
duly approved by the pastor and elders of this 
congregation, desire admission to the privileges of 
full membership in the Church. 

[Here let their names be announced.] 

As children of the covenant, they were conse- 
crated in their infancy to the Lord by their parents, 
in holy baptism, and thus received the sign and 
seal of their adoption into the family and Church 
of God. They are, therefore, fellow-heirs with us 
of the grace of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 
And now, having enjoyed the advantages (of 
Christian nurture) of the stated means of grace, 
and of special instruction in the doctrines and du- 
ties of our holy religion, they earnestly desire to 
be united in closer fellowship with the Lord Jesus 
Christ and his people, by participation in the holy 



CONFIRMATION. 



147 



supper and all the other ordinances of the Church. 
To avow the sincerity of this their purpose and de- 
sire, as well as publicly to profess their faith and 
assume their obligations as members in full of the 
Church of Christ; and also to assure us of their 
purpose to continue steadfast, by the grace of God, 
in the fellowship of his people against all the 
temptations of the world and Satan, they now pre- 
sent themselves in this solemn manner, before God 
and this congregation, to the end that they may be 
publicly admitted into the Church, and entitled to 
all its privileges. 

The occasion is, therefore, one of deep interest 
to us all. As Christians we can not but rejoice 
that God has blessed the means instituted for the 
salvation of men, to the good of these dear friends ; 
and we should gladly receive them into our fellow- 
ship, and encourage them, in every suitable way, 
to hold fast without wavering to the profession of 
their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. 

The applicants shall now come forward, and the minister address 
them as follows : 

BELOVED in the Lord, our adorable Kedeemer, 
Jesus Christ, graciously invites all who feel 
the weight and burden of their sins, to come unto 
him, with the assurance that he will give them rest. 
To increase their confidence in this invitation, he 
has been pleased to add to the declarations and 
promises of his word, the sacrament of his cruci- 
fied body and shed blood, as a visible sign and 
pledge of his grace to them, and for the confirma- 
tion of their faith in him, and the comfort of their 



148 



CONFIRMATION. 



troubled hearts. By his Spirit and Word, we trust, 
you have been made to feel your misery and con- 
demnation through sin, and your need of redemp- 
tion by Jesus Christ, as set forth in the sacrament 
of baptism, by which your interest in the covenant 
of grace was signified and sealed unto you in your 
infancy. 

And now, confessing your sins, and sincerely 
renouncing them, turning with humble faith to 
God, your only Saviour, for pardon, justification, and 
sanctification, and devoting j^ourselves as living 
sacrifices unto him who created, redeems, and sanc- 
tifies you, you present yourselves here to-day, to 
make public profession of your repentance and 
faith ; to ratify in your own name, and personally to 
assume the promises and vows made in your bap- 
tism; to receive the confirmation of the grace be- 
stowed upon you by the Lord; and to be admitted 
to a participation in all the privileges of his Church. 

Doubt not, therefore, the certainty of the grace 
promised in the gospel. Though you may be op- 
pressed with a sense of the great solemnity of this 
transaction, and of your own weakness and in- 
sufficiency, remember that he who hath called you 
to be his followers, hath also promised to help, up- 
hold, and strengthen you. Wherefore, be not 
afraid, only believe ; with glad and thankful hearts, 
accept the mercy so freely provided ; and rejoice 
that you are henceforth not your own, but belong 
to your faithful Saviour Jesus Christ, who, having 
fully satisfied for all your sins, and delivered you 
from the power of the devil, will evermore preserve 
and defend you,'_sustain and comfort you ; and it 



CONFIRMATION. 



149 



you are faithful unto the end, will finally bring you 
to the inheritance of eternal joy in heaven. 

If there be any of the catechumens who have not been baptized, 
the minister shall now ask the questions in the order for adult bap- 
tism, and proceed to baptize them ; after which all the catechumens 
shall audibly answer the following questions : 

Do you now, in the presence of Almighty God, 
angels, and men, renew the solemn vows made in 
your name at your baptism? If so, then answer 
severally: I do. 

Do you receive the doctrine of salvation, as re- 
vealed in the Holy Scriptures, and set forth in the 
Heidelberg Catechism, as divine truth; and will 
you live agreeably to it, adorn it in all things, and 
demean yourself as a true follower of Jesus Christ ? 
If so, answer severally : I so promise, God's grace 
helping me. 

In further confirmation of your vows, profess 
now with me your faith before God and this con- 
gregation : 

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker 
of heaven and earth : 

And in Jesus Christ, his only-begotten Son our 
Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born 
of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, 
was crucified, dead and buried; he descended into 
hell; the third day he rose from the dead; he as- 
cended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand 
of God, the Father Almighty; from thence he 
shall come to judge the quick and the dead. 



150 



CONFIRMATION. 



I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic 
Church ; the communion of saints ; the forgiveness 
of sins ; the resurrection of the body, and the life 
everlasting. Amen. 

Then the catechumens kneeling, the minister shall say : 

Let us pray. 

OLORD our God, who hast chosen to thyself a 
Church on earth, and who hast promised to 
preserve it unto the end of the world, and finally 
raise it unto thy glory : we beseech thee to look 
down in mercy upon these thy servants, who are 
now to be solemnly admitted to the full communion 
and fellowship of thy Church. They have been 
taught, O God, to know thee, their Father, Saviour, 
and Sanctifier. They are persuaded that there is 
salvation in none other, and they desire to have 
part in the benefits of the sacrifice of Christ, and 
of his efiicacious intercession. Accept, O Lord, 
these purposes of their hearts, and receive them 
into the communion of thy Son. Help them ever 
to love thy truth, and seek to know it more thor- 
oughly, and to profess it more consistently unto the 
end of their lives. Enable them to withstand all 
evil, to renounce the world with its vain pomp and 
glory, and to live as heirs and citizens of heaven. 
Take possession of their hearts by thy Holy Spirit; 
and at last receive them with us into thy heavenly 
kingdom, through our great Redeemer and Advo- 
cate, Jesus Christ thy Son. Amen. 

Then, the catechumens still kneeling, the minister shall lay his 



CONFIRMATION. 



151 



hand upon the head of each one in succession, and pronounce one of 
the following benedictions. 

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love 
of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be 
with you. Amen. 

The very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and 
I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body, be 
preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord 
Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who 
also will do it. Amen. 

May God the Father, the Son, and the Holy 
Ghost, grant unto you grace, mercy, and peace, de- 
fend and protect you against all sin, confirm and 
strengthen you in all goodness, and bring you at 
last to eternal life, for the sake of the merits of our 
only Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 

Grace and peace from God the Father, and our 
Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. 

The peace of God which passeth all understand- 
ing, keep your hearts and minds, through Jesus 
Christ. Amen. 

The God of peace make you perfect in every 
good work, to do his will, working in you that 
which is well pleasing in his sight. Amen. 

The God of all grace, who hath called us unto 
his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye 
have suffered awhile, make you perfect, stablish, 
strengthen, settle you ; to him be glory and domin- 
ion for ever and ever. Amen. 



152 



CONFIRMATION. 



Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through 
the knowledge of God, and of Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 

The Lord grant you his Holy Spirit, that you 
may be shielded against every temptation, and 
strengthened for every duty, and that thus you may 
be enabled to glorify him in your body and in your 
spirit, which are his. Amen. 

The minister shall then, in the name of the congregation, give to 
each one the right hand of fellowship, saying: 

In the name of the Lord and his people, I wel- 
come you to our communion, and to all the sacred 
privileges of the Christian Church. And I pray, 
that with us, you may be enabled to stand fast in 
one spirit, with one mind striving together for the 
faith of the gospel, and holding the unity of the 
Spirit in the bonds of peace. 

Then shall they return to their seats. A suitable hymn shall now 
be sung; or the choir may sing or chant the Gloria in Excelsis, or 
the Te Deum. An exhortation may then be addressed by the minister 
to the newly-aamitted members and the congregation; after which the 
service shall be closed with a free prayer and the benediction. 

II. 

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy 
Ghost. Amen. 

BELOVED in the Lord, we have assembled at 
this time under truly solemn and interesting 
circumstances. We are about to receive into full 
communion with the Christian Church, these young 



CONFIRMATION. 



153 



friends, and in the name of the Lord to consecrate 
them to his service. By holy baptism, as the sign, 
and seal of the covenant of grace, they were called 
into the adoption of the children of God, and hav- 
ing been carefully instructed in the way of salva- 
tion, and in the doctrines of our holy religion, they 
are desirous now, openly and in the presence of an- 
gels and men, to renew their covenant with God, to 
be confirmed in their faith by the laying on of hands, 
and to be admitted to the holy communion, and all 
the rights and privileges of the Church of Christ. 

Let us all humbly beseech Almighty God, that 
he may grant them his Holy Spirit this day, to 
make a good, honest, and sincere confession of his 
name, so that their vows may be accepted of him, 
and that they may be strengthened to overcome all 
the temptations of this wicked world, the corrupt 
inclinations of their own hearts, and the wiles of 
the evil one ; and that they may at last attain the 
end of their faith, even the salvation of their souls. 

And let all of us now, also, call to remembrance 
the vows which we made, when, standing before 
the Lord at the altar, in our youth, we solemnly 
promised to follow him, to forsake the world and 
sin, to live as children of God, and to serve him in 
a life of holiness. He has been faithful to us. He 
has crowned our days with loving-kindness, and 
with tender mercy. He has continually blessed us 
through his Word and Sacraments. But have we 
always been faithful unto him ? If our consciences 
accuse us, let us repent of our unfaithfulness, and, 
with these dear friends, consecrate ourselves anew 
unto the service of God. 



154 



CONFIRMATION. 



Happy are you, dear friends, who here see your 
children among the number of these young disci- 
ples, assured that they sincerely purpose to walk 
in the narrow way that leadeth unto everlasting 
life. The Lord gave them unto you, that you should 
train them for his kingdom. In their infancy you 
consecrated them to God, and promised to bring 
them up in the nurture and admonition of the 
Lord. And now you are to be witnesses of the 
fruits of your prayers and efforts, in their volun- 
tary and personal consecration to the service of 
our heavenly Father. May he, the Father of all 
goodness, bestow his divine blessing upon them 
and us, that we may all attain unto complete de- 
liverance from the guilt and power of sin. And 
wherein any of you have come short of your duty 
toward them in the past, beseech the Lord that he 
may pardon you, and so strengthen you by his 
grace, that henceforward you may fulfill your whole 
duty, and be an example unto them, by a holy life 
and conversation ; that so, finally, you and your 
children may together be numbered among the re- 
deemed in heaven. 

Let us pray : 

ALMIGHTY and most merciful God: we give 
thee hearty thanks, that thou hast called us to 
the knowledge of thyself, in Jesus Christ our Lord; 
and hast been pleased to make us partakers of the 
great and precious promises of thy holy Word. We 
praise thee for the certain assurance that these 
promises are unto us, and to our children, and to all 



CONFIRMATION. 



155 



that are afar off, even as many as shall hear and 
obey thy call. merciful God, we have believed 
the testimony of thy Word. We have consecrated 
these our children from their infancy to thee. We 
have sought for them the seal of the covenant of 
thy grace in holy baptism. We have endeavored 
to teach them thy saving truth. And now that thy 
grace has wrought in them a good work, causing 
them to know and deplore their sins and misery, 
and heartily to trust in thy dear Son as their Re- 
deemer, we come with them to witness the renewal 
of the sacred vows which bind them to thy cove- 
nant, O Lord, we beseech thee to help them in 
this solemn hour. Receive them into the blessed 
fellowship of Jesus Christ. Ever work in them, 
both to will and to do of thy good pleasure. Make 
them sincere in repentance, strong in faith, stead- 
fast in hope, and fervent in charity; and keep them 
by the grace of thy Holy Spirit unto everlasting 
life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Then the catechumens coming forward, the minister shall address 
them as follows: 

DEARLY beloved, you are now in the presence 
of God and this congregation, publicly to 
confess your faith, and solemnly to consecrate your- 
selves to the service of the Lord. As your parents 
brought you to the Lord in holy baptism, even be- 
fore you were able to know him, so now, having 
been brought through his holy Word to the knowl- 
edge of him and of his salvation, you present your- 
selves at the altar, to renew your covenant with God. 
If you sincerely examine yourselves, in the light 



156 



CONFIRMATION. 



of God's holy Word, you must confess, that both 
by nature and practice, your sins are very great. 
Therefore, pray earnestly and constantly, that your 
heavenly Father may, for Christ's sake, accept of you 
as his children, and himself, by his Holy Spirit, lead, 
protect, and defend you in your future lives. Re- 
member that you live in an evil world, surrounded 
by dangers and temptations of every kind. In your 
own strength, you can not overcome the world, the 
flesh, and the devil. Rely, therefore, entirely upon 
the grace of God. Cleave steadfastly to your 
Saviour, who has purchased you with his own pre- 
cious blood, and commit yourselves to the guidance 
of his Holy Spirit, that you may lead holy and obe- 
dient lives, and be finally brought into his heavenly 
rest. He that hath called you is faithful, and hav- 
ing begun a good work in you, will perform it until 
the day of Jesus Christ. 

Here follows the baptism of those yet unbaptized, the responses to 
the questions, and the profession of the Creed, as in the preceding form. 
Then, the catechumens kneeling, the minister shall say: 

Let us pray. 

MOST merciful God, the Father, the Son, and 
the Holy Ghost, who art the fountain of all 
life: we approach thy holy presence with humility 
and godly fear. Thou hast given us life, that we 
might devote it to thy glory. When we were yet 
lying in sin and misery, thou didst prepare us for 
thy salvation. And now, we bless thee, that thou 
hast graciously heard our prayers, and, in thine in- 
finite mercy, hast received us into thy communion. 



CONFIRMATION. 



157 



Lord God, heavenly Father! have mercy 
upon us. 

Lord, Kedeemer of the world! have mercy 
upon us. 

O Lord, Holy Spirit! have mercy upon us. 

God, heavenly Father! we are thine. Draw 
us unto thy Son. 

Lord Jesus Christ! be thou unto us wisdom, 
and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemp- 
tion. 

O Holy Spirit! help us to believe, to watch, and 
to pray, that we may be able to say, in true faith, 
Abba, Father. 

We are thine, Lord Jesus Christ, Saviour of 
the world. Thou hast purchased us with thine own 
precious blood. Receive us now as members of 
thy blessed communion. We are thine, and not- 
our own. Grant that we may remain thine for ever. 
Guide us in life, support us in death, and finally re- 
ceive us into glory. Amen. 

Then shall follow the act of confirmation, as in the previous form. 
Instead of an extemporaneous address to those that have been con- 
firmed, the following may be employed : 

T^EARLY beloved, permit me, in conclusion, to 
JL/ add a few words of counsel, in view of your 
solemn act of self-consecration to the service of 
Almighty God. 

May you be deeply sensible of the importance 
and the solemnity of the engagement that you 
have now entered upon, and retain the impression 
of it throughout your lives. Remember that it is 
to God, your Maker, your Redeemer and your 
13 



158 



CONFIRMATION. 



Judge, that these promises have been made ; and 
that upon the conscientious care you take to fulfill 
them, will depend your true comfort in life, and 
your eternal blessedness. Walk worthy, then, of 
your high vocation. Let the light of your good 
works shine before men. Strive to be holy, in the 
fear of the Lord. Seek daily the strength of God. 
Nourish your souls with his Word. Flee youthful 
snares, that would lead you away from him. 

Thus devoting yourselves to God from youth, 
you will be so accustomed to his service, that his 
yoke will seem to you easj^, and his burden light ; 
and your joy will be found in doing his blessed 
will. God on his part will bless you. He will 
give you his peace, that passeth all understanding. 
The eye of the Lord will be upon you, and his ears 
will be open to your prayers. The blood of Jesus 
Christ will cleanse you from all sin. Be not afraid, 
for he that is in you, is greater than he that is in 
the world. His strength will be made perfect in 
your weakness. You will be able to do all things 
through. Christ, who strengthened you. In the 
hour of death, you will be sustained by the hope of 
a joyful resurrection, and in the end you shall at- 
tain unto everlasting life. 

Let us pray. 

ALMIGHTY God, most merciful Father: we 
humbly beseech thee to preserve these thy 
servants, who have now, by thy grace, been enabled 
to make a goodly profession, that they may become 
more and more living members of Christ, in true 



CONFIRMATION. 



159 



faith and obedience to thy holy gospel. Strengthen 
them under all the varied circumstances of their 
future lives, by thy Holy Spirit, that they may not 
be led astray from the truth by false doctrines, or 
the deceitfulness of the flesh, the world, and the 
devil. May the sacrament of which they shall par- 
take be accompanied with a fresh outpouring of 
thy grace upon them. And grant that they may 
continually grow in grace, and in the knowledge of 
our Lord Jesus Christ; until finally, having been 
faithful unto the end, they may, clothed in the 
white raiment of Christ's righteousness, enter into 
thine heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 



L 

[Inasmuch as the laws respecting matrimony are different, in the 
several States, it is the duty of the minister to make himself acquainted 
with them, so as to act in conformity thereto. 

If the service takes place in the Church, or before a large assem- 
blage, the minister can first make a short address, if desired.] 

At the hour appointed, the persons to be married shall present 
themselves before the minister, the man on the right hand, and the 
woman on the left. Then shall the minister say : 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and 
of the Holy Ghost Amen. 

DEARLY beloved, we are assembled in the 
presence of God, to join together this man and 
this woman in holy matrimony, which is commended 
by St. Paul, as an honorable estate among all men. 

God created man in his own image, and said, it 
is not good that man should be alone : I will make 
a help meet for him. He brought unto the man the 
woman, whom he had made. And Adam said, This 
is now bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh. 
Therefore, shall a man leave father and mother, 
and cleave unto his wife : and they twain shall be 
one flesh. 

Marriage, thus ordained of God in Eden, in the 
time of man's innocency, was confirmed at the wed- 
ding in Oana of Galilee, by the gracious presence, 



MARRIAGE 



161 



and miraculous blessing of our Lord Jesus Christ: 
who also hath said, What God hath joined together, 
let not man put asunder. Moreover, St. Paul has 
commended unto the husband the example of 
Christ in loving his Church, and unto the wife the 
willing subjection of the Church unto Christ as her 
head. Whence we learn that marriage is well-pleas- 
ing to God, and most honorable to all who maintain 
therein a mutual love and unshaken fidelity. 

I, therefore, charge and entreat you both, to seek 
the help of God in all your duties ; that his grace 
may make your union fruitful of comfort in this life; 
and a furtherance of your everlasting salvation, to 
the glory of his holy name. 

Then shall the minister, addressing the man, say : 

Dost thou, N. N., take this woman, N. N., to be 
thy wedded wife ? 

Dost thou promise to love her, honor her, defend 
her, sustain and cherish her, in joy and in sorrow, in 
health and in sickness, in prosperity and in adver- 
sity; and to be faithful to her in all things, as be- 
cometh a good husband, and never to forsake her, 
so long as ye both do live ? Answer : I do. 

Then shall he say unto the woman : 

Dost thou, 1ST. N , take this man, K N., to be thy 
wedded husband? 

Dost thou promise to love him, honor him, cher- 
ish and obey him, in joy and in sorrow, in health 
and in sickness, in prosperity and in adversity ; and 



162 



MARRIAGE. 



to be faithful to him in all things as becometh a 
good wife, and never to forsake him, so long as ye 
both do live? Answer: I do. 

[When a ring is used, the man shall now present the ring to the 
AToman. The minister shall receive it from her, and deliver it again 
to the man, who shall then place it on the fourth finger of her left 
hand. And the man holding the finger there, shall say after the min- 
ister: 

With this ring, I thee wed: in the name of the Father, and of the 
Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.] 

[Or, instead, the minister may say: 

As a token and a seal of the marriage covenant, you will now give 
and receive the marriage ring. ] 

Then shall the minister, placing his right hand upon the joined 
hands of the parties, say: 

Forasmuch as you have now consented together 
in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same be- 
fore God and this company, I pronounce you to be 
husband and wife ; in the name of the Father, and 
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Those whom God hath joined together, let not 
man put asunder. 

Let us pray. 

OGOD, our heavenly Father, who hast heard 
these promises of thy servants; we beseech thee 
mercifully to unite their hearts and lives by all the 
grace and true affection of a happy marriage. May 
their love never know change, or doubt, or decay. 
Replenish them with thy Holy Spirit, that they may 
always live together according to thy divine will. 
Bless them both in this life, and grant them to in- 



MARRIAGE. 



163 



herit at last thine everlasting kingdom; through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Our Father who art in heaven, &c. Amen. 

Then shall the minister say: 

GOD the Father, God the Son, God the Holy 
Ghost, bless, preserve and keep you ; the Lord, 
with his favor, look mercifully upon you, and fill 
you with all spiritual benediction and grace ; that 
you may so live together In this life, that in the 
world to come you may have life everlasting. 
Amen. 

II. 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, 
and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

DEARLY beloved, the ordinance of marriage 
is of divine origin, having been instituted of 
God himself in the time of man's innocency, and 
confirmed of our blessed Saviour, vvho said; Have 
ye not read that he which made them in the begin- 
ning^ made them male and female, and said, for 
this cause, shall a man leave father and mother, 
and shall cleave to his wife; and they twain shall 
be one flesh. 

This holy estate should, therefore, not be entered 
into rashly, or unadvisedly, but soberly, discreetly, 
and in the fear of God. 

It is the duty of those entering into this intimate 
union, to love, honor, and cherish each other, so 
long as they both do live. 



164 



MARRIAGE. 



Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also 
loved the Church, and gave himself for it. Wives, 
submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto 
the Lord. For the husband is the head of the 
wife, even as Christ is the Head of the Church. 

I ask you, N. N., and you, N. N., solemnly, and in 
the presence of Almighty God and these witnesses: 
Do you agree to take each other as husband and 
wife, and promise that you will live together after 
God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony, 
until separated by death? If so, you will, as a seal 
to your sacred vow, now join your right hands. 

Then the minister, placing his right hand upon the joined hands of 
the parties, shall say : 

Forasmuch as you have now, before God and 
these witnesses, pledged to each other your troth, 
and consented together in holy wedlock, I pro- 
nounce you to be husband and wife, in the name 
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost ; 
and whom God hath joined together, let not man 
put asunder. Amen. 

Let us pray. 

E invoke thy blessing, Almighty God, upon 
these thy servants who have now entered 
into this holy estate. Grant, that as they have been 
joined in hand, so they may be joined in heart also, 
and ever remain in perfect peace and love together. 
Give them, we beseech thee, all needful earthly 
blessings, but above all, those richer spiritual bless- 
ings that come alone from thee, the Author and 




MARRIAGE. 



165 



Giver of every good and perfect gift. Be thou their 
friend in times of prosperity, and their support and 
stay in all the trials of life. And finally, of thy 
great mercy, bring them into thine eternal king- 
dom ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Our Father who art in heaven, &c. 

Then shall the minister say: 

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord 
make his face shine upon you, and be gracious unto 
you. The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, 
and give you peace. Amen. 
14 



,RDINATIO]S[ AND $^S$A£W$IQJSL 



OF MINISTERS. 

ORDINATION OF MINISTERS. 

After an appropriate sermon, the Committee of Synod, or Classis 
having taken their place in the chancel, the presiding minister shall 
begin thus : 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and 
of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

DEARLY beloved in the Lord, we are assembled, 
according to apostolic rule and practice, to 
ordain this brother to the work of the ministry of 
reconciliation, by prayer and the laying on of 
hands. And as Christ has given to all the members 
of his Church a common interest in her welfare, we 
inquire of you, in order that we may be assisted 
and directed in this important service, whether 
there be any among you, who know any just cause 
or impediment, on account of which he ought not 
to be ordained to the Christian ministry. If there 
be, let him come forward, in God's name, and make 
it known. 

After a pause, no objection being offered, he shall say : 



Let us pray. 



ORDINATION OF A MINISTER. 



167 



ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hast been 
pleased to gather and preserve unto thyself, 
by thy Word and Spirit, ont of the whole human 
race, a Church chosen unto everlasting life ; and 
who hast commanded us to pray thee to send forth 
laborers into the harvest: grant, we beseech thee, 
unto us, and unto all who are called to minister in 
holy things, the rich gifts of thy Spirit, that we may 
rightly understand, and proclaim thy truth, wor- 
thily administer thy ordinances, and so magnify our 
office, that thy Church and people may be comforted 
and built up in the faith of the gospel. Be pleased, 
also, to direct us in this solemn service, and let thy 
blessing rest upon thy servant, whom we are about 
to set apart to the work of the ministry, that he 
may be a man after thine own heart, and lead many 
to a saving knowledge of the truth, as it is in thy 
Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Then, turning to the candidate, he shall say: 

BELOYED brother, since you are here in the pres- 
ence of God, before whom every knee shall bow, 
to consecrate yourself, and to be publicly and sol- 
emnly ordained to the holy ministry, it is meet that 
we should remind you of the dignity and responsi- 
bility of the office with which you are about to be 
invested, that you may enter upon it with a just 
sense of your own insufficiency, and need of divine 
assistance. That it is of divine origin, and carries 
with it a force and significance that belong to no 
other calling, is at once manifest from the plain 
teaching of the Word of God respecting it. Thus 
we hear Jesus saying to the apostles, just before his 



168 



ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION. 



ascension into heaven : All power is given unto me 
in heaven and in earth. Go ye, therefore, and teach 
alt nations, baptizing them in the name of the 
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; 
teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I 
have commanded yon: and, lo, I am with you al- 
way, even unto the end of the world. 

In full accord with this solemn declaration ot 
the Lord Jesus, the Apostle Paul testifies : This is 
a faithful saying, if a man desire the office of a 
bishop, he desireth a good work. We are ambas- 
sadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you 
by us. And he gave some, apostles; and some, 
prophets; and some, evangelists ; and some, pastors 
and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for 
the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the 
body of Christ ; till we all come in the unity of the 
faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto 
a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of 
the fullness of Christ. 

It was not, therefore, from any human authority 
or appointment, but from the Lord of glory him- 
self, that the first ministers of the gospel received 
their commission; and they, by prayer and the lay- 
ing on of hands, set apart others to this service, 
whom they found endowed with the proper gifts, 
approved by the Church, and called of God. In 
this way, the succession in this office has been per- 
petuated until the present day. Nor was the act of 
ordination by which the}^ were formally set apart 
to this work, an unmeaning ceremony; but a most 
solemn transaction, in which those who were thus 
ordained, received the sign and pledge of the accept- 



ORDINATION OF A MINISTER. 



169 



ance of their self-consecration to the service of 
Christ, the seal of their divine calling, and the as- 
surance of the support of the Holy Spirit in the 
faithful discharge of the duties of their office. 

Such now being the divine origin and sacred- 
ness of the Christian ministry, its duties are of a 
corresponding nature, requiring a full consecration 
of the time and talents of those who are invested 
with it. Hence the Apostle Paul, in writing to 
Timothy says : Be thou an example of the believers, 
in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, 
in purity. Give attendance to reading, to exhorta- 
tion, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in 
thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the 
laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate 
upon these things; give thyself wholly to them ; that 
thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thy- 
self, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for 
in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them 
that hear thee. 1 Tim. iv. 12-16. 

The Apostle Peter also exhorts his fellow-min- 
isters to feed the flock of God, which is among you, 
' taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but 
willingly ; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind ; 
; neither as being lords over God's heritage, but be- 
i ing ensamples to the flock. And when the chief 
1 Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of 
glory that fadeth not away. 1 Pet. v. 2-5. 

From what has now been said, you may learn, 
1 dear brother, that your work and duty, as a minister 
' of Christ will be: to feed the flock of God; to 
1 preach the word in season and out of season; to 
reprove, to rebuke, and exhort, with all long-suffer- 



170 



ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION. 



ing and meekness, as occasion and necessity may 
require ; to instruct the ignorant, to comfort the 
sorrowful, encourage the faint-hearted, and reclaim 
the wandering; to give special care and attention 
to the lambs of the flock; to offer prayer and sup- 
plication; to administer regularly and faithfully 
the sacraments of divine appointment ; and to main- 
tain the order and discipline of the Church. If you 
are faithful and diligent in these things, and take 
the oversight of those committed to your care, 
not by constraint, but willingly, and do all from 
love to him who has called you to this work, you 
may confidently expect, at the last day, as the re- 
ward of your labor and self-denial, a crown of glory 
that fadeth not away. 

And now, that it may appear unto this congre- 
gation, with what intent and views you are about 
to assume the solemn duties of this office, and that 
you yourself may also feel the weight of obligation 
that rests upon you; we call upon you, in God's 
name, to answer faithfully and truly the following 
questions : 

Do you receive the Holy Scriptures of the Old 
and New Testament, as the Word of God, and as the 
ultimate rule and measure of the whole Christian 
faith ? Answer : 1 do. 

Do you, honestly and truly, believe the doc- 
trines of the Heidelberg Catechism to be in har- 
mony with those revealed in the Bible, and prom- 
ise faithfully to expound and defend the same in 
your ministry ? Answer : I do. 



ORDINATION OF A MINISTER. 



171 



Do you believe in your heart that you are called 
of God to this ministry, and trust in the grace 
and aid of the Holy Spirit, that you may rightly 
discharge the duties of your high calling? An- 
swer : Such is my belief and trust. 

Do you acknowledge the rightful authority of 
the Reformed Church, and promise to exercise your 
ministry in it with diligence, showing all proper re- 
gard for its laws and ordinances, and all suitable 
obedience to its lawful government in the Lord? 
Answer: I so confess and promise, the Lord being 
my helper. 

You will now, in the presence of this people, 
publicly confess the articles of our undoubted 
Christian faith. 

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker 
of heaven and earth: 

And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son our 
Lord ; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born 
of the Virgin Mary ; suffered under Pontius Pilate, 
was crucified, dead and buried; he descended into 
hell; the third day he rose from the dead; he as- 
cended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand 
of God, the Father Almighty; from thence he 
shall come to judge the quick and the dead. 

I believe in the Holy Ghost ; the holy catholic 
Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness 
of sins; the resurrection of the body, and the life 
everlasting. Amen. 

The candidate shall then kneel, and one of the ministers shall say : 



172 ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION. 



THOU hast heard, O Lord, the confession and 
vows of this thy servant, who desires in hum- 
ble dependence upon thee, to enter upon the work 
of the holy ministry. Do thou, through us, ordain 
and set him apart to this service ; and so assist him 
by thy grace, that he may faithfully discharge the 
duties of his calling. And grant unto him thy 
Spirit, that he may rightly divide thy Word, be an 
example in all things, and wise to win souls to thee ; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

The candidate, still kneeling, the ministers shall lay their right 
hands on his head, and the presiding minister say : 

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Head 
of the Church, and trusting in the power of his 
grace, we do ordain, and ap|)oint you to the minis- 
try of reconciliation, to proclaim his gospel, to ad- 
minister his holy sacraments, to exercise Christian 
discipline in his Church, and to be wholly set apart 
as an instrument to his use in the salvation of our 
lallen race,; and to this end may the blessing of God 
Almighty, the Father, the Son, and theHoly Ghost, 
rest upon, and abide with you always. Amen. 

He shall then arise, and each minister in turn shall give the right 
hand of fellowship, saying : 

We give you the right hand of fellowship, to 
take part with us in the ministry of the Word and 
Sacraments. 

Or this : 

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love o* 
God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy 
Ghost, be with you. Amen. 



ORDINATION OF A MINISTER. 



173 



Should the installation of the minister be appointed for the same 
time, the service shall now proceed according to the prescribed form. 
If there be no installation, one of the ministers shall offer a conclud- 
ing prayer, or the following : 

ALMIGHTY and ever blessed God, who hast so 
loved us, as to give thine only begotten Son 
Jesus Christ, to be our Redeemer, and the Author 
of everlasting life: we praise thee for thine infinite 
goodness and mercy to us. And thou, blessed Jesus, 
Son of the eternal Father, our Prophet, Priest, and 
King, we thank thee most heartily that thou hast 
founded thy Church upon a rock, and hast hitherto 
preserved it against all the powers of hell. We 
praise thy holy name, O Lord, that in all ages thou 
hast appointed men to the work of the ministry, 
and crowned their labors with success. And we 
thank thee that thou hast called this brother, and 
sustained and preserved him through his years of 
preparation; and hast now set him apart to be a 
teacher and ruler in thy Church. Send down upon 
him, we beseech thee, the anointing of the Holy 
Ghost, that he may be a workman that needeth not 
to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 
Make his feet beautiful to publish the gospel of 
peace, and to bring glad tidings of good things. 
And do thou assist and direct him in all his minis- 
trations, to the glory of thy holy name, and the 
upbuilding of thy Church. Make him an examp]e 
to believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in 
spirit, in faith, in purity: and enable him, in all 
things, so to demean himself as becometh a minis- 
ter of thy Word. And when the labors and toils of 
this life are ended, may he be prepared to give an 



174 



ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION. 



account of his stewardship with joy, and be re- 
ceived into thy heavenly kingdom, where they that 
turn many to righteousness shall shine as the stars 
for ever and ever. And unto thee, the King eter- 
nal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be all 
honor and glory, world without end. Amen. 

The congregation shall then unite in singing a hymn or doxology ; 
after which the whole service shall be concluded with the benedic- 
tion: 

The God of peace, who brought again from the 
dead, our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the 
sheep, through the blood of the everlasting cove- 
nant, make you perfect in every good work to do 
his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing 
in his sight, through Jesus Christ: to whom be all 
the glory for ever and ever. Amen. 



INSTALLATION OF A MINISTER. 

After a suitable sermon has been preached, or after the ordina- 
tion, if this has taken place on the same occasion, the committee shall 
take their place in the chancel, and the presiding minister shall ad- 
dress the pastor elect, as follows : 

BELOVED brother in the Lord, we have been 
appointed by the Olassis of , under whose 

care this congregation (or pastoral charge) stands, 
to install you as its pastor. By this act your rela- 
tion to this people is publicly ratified, and the 
bond between you and them sealed. As your of- 
fice is a high and holy one, proceeding directly 
from the Lord Jesus Christ himself, the great Head 
of the Church, it becomes you to discharge the du- 



INSTALLATION OF A MINISTER. 



175 



ties thereof with fidelity, that you may be able to 
give an account of your stewardship with joy and 
not with grief. What these duties are is plain from 
the express declarations of the word of God, touch- 
ing this subject, as also from the titles Pastor, 
Bishop, Teacher, Steward, &c, which are applied 
to those who minister in word and doctrine. Thus 
the Lord Jesus Christ in the great commission 
which he gave to his apostles, said : Go ye, there- 
fore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the 
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the 
Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things 
whatsoever I have commanded you : and, lo, I am 
with you alway, even unto the end of the world. 
Matt, xxviii. 19, 20. 

The Apostle Paul, also, filled with a sense of the 
dignity and importance of this great commission, 
addresses those who are intrusted with it as fol- 
lows : 

I charge thee, therefore, before God and the 
Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and 
the dead at his appearing, and his kingdom, preach 
the word ; be instant in season, and out of season; 
reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long- suffering and 
doctrine (2 Tim. iv. 1-3), holding fast the faithful 
word, as thou hast been taught, that thou may- 
est be able by sound doctrine, both to exhort and 
convince the gains.ayers (Titus i. 9). Study to 
show thyself approved unto God, a workman, that 
needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the 
word of truth (2 Tim. ii. 15). Be thou an example 
of the believers, in word, in conversation, in char- 
ity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Give attendance 



176 



ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION. 



to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect 
not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee 
by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of 
the presbytery. Meditate upon these things, give 
thyself wholly to them, that thy profiting may ap- 
pear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the 
doctrine ; continue in them ; for in doing this thou 
shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. 
(1 Tim. iv. 12-16.) 

Guided by these declarations of God's word, 
your duty, beloved brother, in the charge to which 
you have been called, will be to give yourself earn- 
estly to the ministry of the Word and to prayer ; 
to administer the Sacraments for the comfort and 
confirmation of the faith of God's people ; to in- 
struct the young ; to guide and watch over the 
flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made you 
overseer ; and to maintain, in connection with the 
elders and deacons, the order, discipline, and peace 
of the Church, to the praise and glory of God. By 
diligently and faithfully attending to these things, 
in the spirit of your divine Master, you may expect 
the blessing of God upon your labors, and the re- 
lation between you and this people to be both 
pleasant and profitable. 

Here the congregation shall arise, and the presiding minister pro- 
ceed as follows : 

Such, beloved friends, officers, and members of 
this congregation (or, pastoral charge), is a brief 
summary of the duties devolving upon him whom 
you have called to minister to you in holy things. 
That the relation, however, may prove mutually 



INSTALLATION OF A MINISTER. 



177 



edifying, there are, in like manner, duties required 
of you, which it becomes you to discharge con- 
scientiously and in the fear of God. What these 
duties are, may be learned from the following por- 
tions of God's word : 

We beseech you, brethren, to know them which 
labor among you, and are over you, in the Lord, 
and admonish you; and esteem them very highly 
in love for their work's sake. And be at peace 
among yourselves (1 Thess. v. 12, 13). Remember 
them which have the rule over you, who have 
spoken unto you the word of God : whose faith fol- 
low, considering the end of their conversation. 
Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and to-day, and 
for ever (Heb. xiii. 7, 8). Obey them that have the 
rule over you, and submit yourselves, for they 
watch for your souls, as they that must give ac- 
count, that they may do it with joy and not with 
grief; for that is unprofitable for you (Heb. xiii. 17). 
Let him that is taught in the Word communicate 
unto him that teacheth in all good things (Gal. vi. 
8), even as the Lord hath ordained that they which 
preach the gospel, should live of the gospel (1 Cor. 
ix. 14) ; for if we have sown unto you spiritual 
things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your car- 
nal things? (1 Cor. ix. 11.) 

From what the Apostle here says, we learn that 
it is your duty to love, honor, and respect the 
brother whom you have called to labor among you, 
as a minister of Christ ; to give heed to his instruc- 
tions, and render due submission to his counsels 
and reproofs ; to give him a proper support; and 
to relieve him, as far as possible, from all unneces- 



178 ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION. 



sary care and anxiety, that he may give himself 
wholly to the work to which he is called ; and to 
aid him in every lawful way, by your advice and 
prayers, so that, by your united endeavors, the 
cause of Christ may here be advanced. 

And now, dear brother, I ask you, in the pres- 
ence of God and these witnesses, are you willing to 
take upon yourself the care and oversight of this 
people ; and do you promise faithfully to discharge 
all the duties of a pastor to them, and use your ut- 
most endeavors to further them in the knowledge 
and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, in conformity 
with your ordination vows ? Answer : I so declare 
and promise, God being my helper. 

Then, turning to the congregation, he shall say : 

Dearly beloved, you have heard the solemn vow 
and engagement of him whom you have called to 
be your pastor. As the representatives of this 
charge, I now ask you, in the presence of God, do 
you, on your part, receive him as your minister; 
and do you promise to show him that love, honor, 
and obedience in the Lord, which is due to him 
as a servant of Christ ? Answer : We do. 

On the ground of this mutual engagement, we 

do now, by the authority of the Classis of -, 

solemnly install you, N. N., as pastor of this people, 
committing them by this act, as a part of Christ's 
flock, to your spiritual oversight and care; in the 
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy 
Ghost. Amen. 



INSTALLATION OF A MINISTER. 



179 



Let us pray. 

ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, our heav- 
enly Father, we thank thee for the establish- 
ment of thy Church upon the earth, and for all its 
blessed privileges. We bless thee for the institu- 
tion and perpetuity of the ministry of reconcilia- 
tion, through which thou dost make known to us 
the counsels of thy infinite love ; and we pray thee 
to assist all thy servants by thy Spirit in the proc- 
lamation of thy Word, that it may accomplish that 
whereunto it is sent. Especially, do we beseech 
thee to grant unto thy servant, now installed as 
the pastor of this charge, such gifts and grace, as 
may be necessary for the work to which he is 
called, that he may make full proof of his ministry, 
in the conversion of sinners and the edification of 
them that believe. Do thou, also, bless this people 
with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. Make 
them diligent and obedient hearers of thy Word, 
active co-laborers with their pastor, in the further- 
ance of thy cause, and fruitful in every good word 
and work to the praise of thy great name. Let thy 
blessing rest upon the union now constituted be- 
tween thy servant and this charge; and finally, 
unite them and us all with the redeemed in thy 
heavenly kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 

The officers of the charge shall then give the pastor the right hand 
of fellowship ; after which a hymn shall be sung, and the congrega- 
tion dismissed with the benediction : 

The God of peace, that brought again from the 



180 



INSTALLATION OF A MINISTER. 



dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the 
sheep, through the blood of the everlasting cove- 
nant, make you perfect in every good work, to do 
his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing 
in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be 
glory for ever and ever. Amen. 



JRDINATION AND gUSTAL^ATIOH. 



OF ELDERS AND DEACONS. 

When the officers of a congregation have been elected, their 
names shall be publicly announced, and a time appointed for their or- 
dination and installation. An elder or deacon, once ordained, re- 
mains such during life ; and, if subsequently re-elected to fill the 
office to which he has previously been ordained, he is in this case 
merely installed, by omitting such parts of the following form as refer 
to ordination. The ordination and installation shall take place imme- 
diately after the singing of the first hymn. As the names of those 
elected are read, they shall present themselves, whereupon the minis- 
ter shall say : 

DEARLY beloved brethren in the Lord, you 
are here in the presence of God and this con- 
gregation, to be solemnly ordained, and installed 
as elders and deacons. As it is a great honor to 
bear office in the Lord's house, so it is also a 
solemn trust which no one should take upon him- 
self rashly or lightly. For although your election 
has been by the free choice of your fellow-members, 
yet the offices to which you have been called are 
not of human origin, or authority ; but were insti- 
tuted by Christ himself, who, first called men 
through the apostles, to fill them and has so pre- 
served them in the Church to the present time. 
You are, therefore, not to regard yourselves as the 

mere servants of men, but as the servants of Christ, 
15 



182 



ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION 



appointed in his name, and by his authority to do 
the work intrusted to your care. From this you 
may see how much is comprehended in your pres- 
ent ordination and induction into office ; and how 
needful it is that you should magnify your office, 
and make high account of its duties in all time to 
come, as a service to be rendered unto God, and not 
simply to men. 

The office of elder is closely connected with 
that of the ministry, inasmuch as the elders are 
associated with the minister of the Word in the 
government and spiritual supervision of the flock 
committed to their care. They are bound there- 
fore to take part in the work of the ministry so far 
as it has respect to this pastoral oversight and rule. 
There are many things which the elders may do, in 
the general management of the Church, that will 
be a great relief and assistance to the minister, and 
so enable him to devote himself more exclusively 
to his appropriate work. To this end they should 
instruct the ignorant, encourage the weak, visit and 
comfort the afflicted, seek to reclaim the erring, 
reprove the wayward, watch over the conduct of 
their fellow-members, and see that all walk worthy 
of their calling. They should also go before the 
flock in the way of Christian example, and take a 
deep and abiding interest in whatever tends to the 
growth and spiritual well-being of the congrega- 
tion. They should unite their influence with the 
pastor in requiring obedience to all the ordinances 
and rules of the Church, and in exercising discip- 
line in the case of those whose conduct is such as 
to bring reproach upon the cause of Christ. That 



OF ELDERS AND DEACONS. 



183 



they may be sufficient for this great work, they 
must be men of faith and wisdom, having in a large 
measure the confidence and respect of the Church. 

The office of deacon, as we learn from the sixth 
chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, arose in con- 
nection with the wants and necessities of the poor, 
who are found in every Christian congregation. 
To provide and care for such, is a duty enjoined 
both by the command and examples of Christ, and 
received special attention in the primitive Church. 
To avoid, as far as possible, all occasion for com- 
plaint, and to enable the apostles to give them- 
selves wholly to the ministry of the Word, and 
.to prayer, the office of deacon was instituted. 
Hence it belongs to them, to collect and distribute 
the alms of the Church, to provide for the support 
of the pastor, and whatever necessities may arise 
from time to time in connection with the congrega- 
tion, and the cause of Christ in general. In attend- 
ing, however, to these duties, they must not lose 
sight of the true spiritual character of their office, 
which must ever be regarded as a necessary branch 
of the Christian ministry, the ultimate design of 
which is the glory of God in the salvation of men. 
Hence the apostles exhorted their brethren to 
choose such men as were of honest report, full of 
the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom they might ap- 
point for this service. 

And now, beloved brethren, in view of the na- 
ture and design of the offices to which you have 
been chosen by the voice of this congregation, I 
ask you : 



184 



ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION 



Do you receive the Holy Scriptures of the Old 
and New Testament, as the Word of God, and as 
the ultimate rule and measure of the whole Chris- 
tian faith ; and do you honestly hold the doctrines 
of the Heidelberg Catechism to be in harmony with 
the same? Answer: We do. 

Do you accept the call thus extended to you ? 
and do you promise faithfully to discharge the du- 
ties of your office, to the best of your ability, show- 
ing all proper regard to the lawful authority of the 
Church, and taking heed to your own lives, that you 
may adorn the gospel you profess, by a holy walk 
and conversation ? Answer : We do. 

The candidates to be ordained shall then kneel, and the minister, 
laying his right hand on each one of them in succession, shall say : 

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Head 
of the Church, I ordain you to the office of elder 
(or deacon, as the case may be) ; and may Almighty 
God, our heavenly Father, pour out upon you his 
heavenly grace, and enable you to administer your 
office with fidelity and joy, to the honor and glory 
of his holy name. Amen. 

They shall then arise, and the minister shall install the officers 
elect as follows : 

In the name of the Lord Jesus Ghrist, the 
Head of the Church, I do now install you as elders 
and deacons of this congregation; and may the 
blessing of Almighty God, the Father, Son, and 
Holy Ghost, rest upon you, abide with you, and 
strengthen you in every good word and work. 
Amen. 



OF ELDERS AND DEACONS. 



185 



The minister shall then extend the right hand of fellowship to 
them, and say : 

And now, dear brethren, be faithful to your call- 
ing. Ye elders, be watchful over the spiritual in- 
terests of the Church, and see that such order and 
discipline be observed as becometh the house of 
God; walk before the Lord in all godliness, that 
others seeing your good works may be led to glo- 
rify your Father in heaven. 

Ye deacons, show yourselves in all respects as 
the servants and followers of Christ, who though 
rich, yet for our sakes, became poor. And as you 
administer the temporalities of the Church, and 
distribute its gifts, be yourselves examples of char- 
ity, and aid in dispensing the bread of life, and the 
true comfort of the gospel of reconciliation. 

And you, beloved fellow members of this Chris- 
tian Church, receive these brethren as the servants 
of God ; pray for them and be obedient unto them 
in the Lord, and endeavor by your united efforts 
to carry forward the work of the Lord, to the praise 
and glory of his holy name. 

Let us pray. 

MOST merciful God, and Father of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, bless, we beseech thee, these 
thy servants whom we have now set apart to the 
offices to which they have been called by the voice 
of the Church. Graciously accept of their vows, 
and make them fruitful in every good word and 
work , to the praise and glory of thy great name. 
O Lord J esus Christ, who art the exalted Head ot 



186 



ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION. 



the Church, and who hast ascended into heaven, 
and given gifts nnto men, do thou anoint them with 
thy Holy Spirit that they may be thoroughly fur- 
nished for the work committed to their hands. 

Holy Spirit, who art the Spirit of wisdom, and 
power, and grace, grant unto them hearts full of 
faith, love and meekness, that they may seek only 
the glory of God in the salvation of their fellow- 
men. 

O Holy Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, 
build up this Church as thy temple, upon the found- 
ation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ 
himself being the chief corner-stone, under the la- 
bors of these thy servants, and grant to them and 
to us preparation for an inheritance among the 
saints in light. And unto thee will we give all the 
praise and glory of our salvation, world without 
end. Amen. 




;XCOMMHICATIQNL AND RESTORATION 



EXCOMMUNICATION. 

[If a member be guilty of an offense which calls for the exercise 
of discipline, the Consistory shall proceed in his case according to the 
provisions of the Constitution of the Church. If the offender does 
not amend his ways, after repeated admonition and suspension, he 
shall be publicly excommunicated. If the crime be of more than or- 
dinary aggravation, calling for immediate action, the offender may, 
provided he shows no signs of repentance, be excommunicated with- 
out all the preliminary steps being taken, after a due examination of 
the case.] 

Before proceeding to the act of excommunication, the minister 
shall state to the congregation what the Consistory hits done in the case 
of the offender, and why it is deemed necessary to cut him off from 
the communion of the Church, that all may see the justness of the 
sentence ; after which he shall proceed as follows : 

DEARLY beloved, our Lord Jesus Christ, the 
Head and King of the Church, has command- 
ed, that, if a brother trespass against us, we go and 
tell him his fault between us and him alone; and 
if he will not hear us, that we take with us one or 
two more, that in the mouth of two or three wit- 
nesses every word may be established ; and if he 
shall neglect to hear them, that we tell it to the 
Church ; and if he neglect to hear the Church, that 
he be to us as a heathen man and a publican. The 
Apostle Paul, in like manner, commands us, in the 
name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to withdraw our- 



188 EXCOMMUNICATION AND RESTORATION 



selves from every brother that walketh disor- 
derly, and not after the tradition he has received. 
And should any man that is called a brother be a 
fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or 
a drunkard, or an extortioner, we are to note such 
an one, and keep no company with him, that he may 
be ashamed. 

In accordance with these solemn declarations of 
the word of God, we have pointed out to our of- 
fending brother, N. 1ST., his (error and) sin; we have 
kindly admonished and warned him of the conse- 
quences that would follow unless he would repent, 
and turn to God with sincere contrition of heart. 
We have earnestly prayed in his behalf, and pa- 
tiently waited for his repentance ; and, we are sorry 
to say, that all our endeavors have proved unavail- 
ing ; and that, instead of confessing and forsaking 
his sinful course, he obstinately persists therein. 

To preserve, therefore, the purity of this con- 
gregation, to maintain the honor of religion, and 
prevent the covenant of God from being profaned, 
and his wrath kindled against us by retaining such 
as walk disorderly, we do now, according to the 
command of Christ and his apostles, proceed to ex- 
communicate this brother from the Church. 

Here the congregation shall arise. 

Whereas, N. N. has, by sufficient proof, been 
found guilty of (here state the offense), and obsti- 
nately refuses, after having been faithfully admon- 
ished, and kindly entreated, to hear the Church, and 
manifests no evidence of repentance, or disposition 



EXCOMMUNICATION. 



189 



to forsake his (error and) wicked course of life; 
Therefore, in the name of this congregation, and by 
the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pronounce 
him to be excluded from the communion of the 
Church, and from the use of the sacraments, so long 
as he continues impenitent. 

And now, dearly beloved, in order that our of- 
fending brother may see his true condition, and be 
speedily brought to repentance, we exhort you to 
keep no company with him ; yet count him not as 
an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. And at 
the same time, let each one take warning by this, 
and such like examples, of the importance of guard- 
ing against all the temptations by which he may be 
beset, and take heed diligently unto himself, lest 
while he thinketh he standeth, he fall; and, keep- 
ing himself in true fellowship with the Father, and 
his Son Jesus Christ, together with all faithful 
Christians, he may remain steadfast therein, to the 
end, and so obtain eternal salvation. 

Let us pray : 

KIGHTEOUS God, and merciful Father, we be- 
V^/wail our sins before thy most high majesty, and 
acknowledge that we deserve the grief and sorrow 
caused by the separation of a fellow-member from 
thy Church ; for we have all sinned, and come short 
of thy glory. But, O Lord, thou art merciful, and 
slow to anger, and art willing, for the sake of Christ 
thy Son, to forgive us our sins, if we heartily re- 
pent, and to work in us such a godly sorrow for 
them, that we, fearing the righteous judgments 
16 



190 EXCOMMUNICATION AND RESTORATION. 

which thou dost inflict upon the stiff-necked, and 
incorrigible, may endeavor, to please thee, and do 
thy most holy will in all things. To this end, we 
pray thee, to grant us grace, that we may keep our- 
selves from the pollution of the world, and from 
those who are cut off from the fellowship of the 
Church, that we may not become partakers of their 
sins. And as thou desirest not the death of the 
sinner, but that he may repent and live ; and as the 
door of thy Church is always open to those who 
turn from their evil ways ; we beseech thee, that 
thou wilt kindle anew in our hearts, such love to 
thee and our fellow-men, that we may labor dili- 
gently and perseveringly to bring this excommuni- 
cated person back to thy fold, from which he has 
wickedly strayed, together with all those who trans- 
gress thy good and holy law. And do thou so bless 
our endeavors, that we may soon have cause to re- 
joice over him, for whom Ave now have sorrow of 
heart, that thy name may be praised, through 
Jesus Christ our Lord, who hath taught us to pray : 

Our Father who art in heaven, &c. 



RESTORATION. 

If any one who has been excommunicated is brought to repent- 
ance, and desires to be restored to his former position in the Church, 
the minister and elders shall make diligent inquiry into his case, and if 
satisfied with the evidences of his repentance, the minister shall pub- 
licly announce the fact to the congregation, at least one week before 
his restoration ; so that if there be any just cause why he should not 
be received again into the Church, it maybe made known in due time. 
If no objection be made to his restoration, he shall, at the time ap- 



RESTORATION. 



191 



pointed, present himself at the call of the minister, who shall proceed 
in his case as follows : 

BELOVED brethren, you have on a previous 
occasion been informed of the repentance of 
our brother, N. N., and of his desire to be again re- 
stored to the privileges of the Church, from which 
we felt it our most solemn duty to exclude him, in 
consequence of his former sinful course of conduct ; 
and as no one has come forward and objected to 
his reception, 1 do now proceed to his formal resto- 
ration. 

Here the congregation shall arise. 

That it may now be manifest to all present, that 
you are sincere in what you do, I ask you, N, N., in 
the presence of Almighty God, are you truly sorry 
for, and do you heartily repent of the sin, on ac- 
count of which you were excommunicated from the 
Church ; and do you desire to be restored to your 
former position in this congregation, and promise 
henceforth to endeavor, in all earnestness, to adorn 
your Christian profession by a walk and conversa- 
tion, such as becomes a follower of Christ? An- 
swer : I do. 

The minister shall then pronounce the following sentence of res- 
toration : 

Having given sufficient evidence of the sincer- 
ity and genuineness of your repentance, I do now^ 
in the name of this congregation, and by the au- 
thority of the Lord Jesus Christ, declare you, N. N., 
absolved from the sentence of excommunication 



192 EXCOMMUNICATION AND RESTORATION. 



formerly passed upon you, and do receive you into 
the communion of the Church, and restore you to 
its privileges and benefits ; and may the God of all 
grace and mercy keep you in his love unto eternal 
life. Amen. 

Let us pray. 

O GRACIOUS God, and Father, we give thee 
hearty thanks, through Jesus Christ our Lord, 
that thou hast been pleased to give unto our brother 
repentance unto life, and unto us occasion to re- 
joice in his conversion. Restore unto him the joy 
of thy salvation, and uphold him with thy free 
Spirit, that he may not again fall into sin, and bring 
reproach upon thy name. May he have the blessed 
assurance that his sins are pardoned, and that he 
is accepted in the beloved. And as he has hereto- 
fore offended many by his sins, may he henceforth 
edify many by his conversion. Make him steadfast 
in thy ways and precepts, witnessing a good con- 
fession to the end. And grant that we all may 
learn from this example, that with thee there is 
mercy, and plenteous redemption, that thou mayest 
be feared; and regarding him whom we have just 
received anew into our communion, as our brother 
and fellow-heir, may we unitedly serve thee, with 
filial fear and obedience, all the days of our life; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who has taught us 
to pray: 

Our Father who art in heaven. <fcc. 



;fqb raying of a, ©orne^tqnEx 



The people being assembled at the place where the Church is to 
be built, the minister, standing where the stone is to be laid, shall 
say : 

BELOVED brethren, in all ages of the world, the 
people of God have had their places of wor- 
ship consecrated to the Most High. Jacob erected 
a pillar in Bethel, and poured oil upon it, saying, 
" This is God's house." Moses built and consecrated 
a tabernacle in the desert. And Solomon built 
and consecrated a temple, which the Lord filled 
with the glory of his presence before all the peo- 
ple. 

So you have purposed in your hearts to build 
here a house for the Lord, which is to be set apart 
for his honor and service; for the worship of his 
holy name, the preaching of his holy gospel, and 
the administration of his holy sacraments. And we 
are now assembled to lay the corner-stone of this 
house, as a habitation for the Lord God of heaven 
and earth. 

Let us not doubt then, but that he will favorably 
regard and approve our godly purpose, and, as is 



194 THE LAYING OF A CORNER-STONE. 



meet and fit, let us devoutly unite in singing his 
praise, and in prayer for his blessing upon this our 
undertaking. 

Then shall be sung a suitable psalm or hymn ; after which the 
minister shall say : 

Let us pray : 
\ LMIGELTY, eternal God, who art always more 



xjL ready to hear than we are to pray, and art 
always wont to give more than we desire or de- 
serve ; grant us, we beseech thee, thy heavenly 
benediction, that we may be prospered in the work 
we have undertaken. And as we have commenced 
it in thy fear and for thy glory, we humbly beseech 
thee so to bless it from on high, that it may serve 
to promote thy praise, and the extension of thy 
kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Then shall the minister read one of the following lessons of scrip- 
ture : 



The 96th Psalm. 

The 132d Psalm, in connection with 1 Cor. iii. 



After the singing of another psalm or hymn, shall follow the Ser- 
mon, or Address; after -which the contributions of the people shall be 
received. 

Then the minister, standing by the stone, shall read the inscription 
of the corner-stone, and place into a box the several articles which it 
is to contain, naming them as he does so. After which he shall de- 
posit the box in the stone and cover it ; and the stone shall be laid 
and adjusted by the minister, assisted by the builder. 

Then the minister shall say : 




9-23. 



THE LAYING OF A CORNER-STONE. 195 



Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made 
heaven and earth. 

Placing his hand on the stone, or striking it with a hammer three 
times, he shall say : 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and 
of the Holy Ghost, I lay this corner-stone for the 
foundation of a house, to be builded and conse- 
crated to the worship of Almighty God (under the 

name of Church) according to the order and 

usages of the Reformed Church. Amen. 

Let us now unite in the confession of our holy 
catholic faith : 

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker 
of heaven and earth : 

And in J esus Christ his only begotten Son our 
Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, 
born of the Virgin Mary ; suffered under Pontius 
Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried ; he de- 
scended into hell ; the third day he rose from the 
dead ; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the 
right hand of God the Father Almighty; from 
thence he shall come to judge the quick and the 
dead. 

I believe in the Holy Ghost ; the holy catholic 
Church ; the communion of saints ; the forgiveness 
of sins ; the resurrection of the body, and the life 
everlasting. Amen. 



196 



THE LAYING OF A CORNER-STONE. 



Let us pray. 

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, heaven is thy 
throne, and the earth thy footstool ! What 
house then can be built for thee, or where is the 
place of thy rest ? Blessed be thy name, Lord 
God, that it hath pleased thee to dwell in the as- 
semblies of thy saints upon the earth. And now, 
especially, do we render thanks unto thy hoty name, 
that it hath pleased thee to put it into the hearts 
of thy people, to erect in this place a house to thy 
honor, and for thy worship. Prosper them, Lord, 
in this their undertaking. Grant that many may 
unite with them in this their holy work, until this 
house shall be complete and ready for consecration 
to thy holy service. And may thy merciful and 
protecting care be over all that shall be engaged 
in its erection. 

And we beseech thee, that peace and harmony 
may prevail in their counsels, and that no selfish 
or divided aims may find place among them. And 
when thou shalt have prospered the work of their 
hands upon them, and this house shall be prepared 
and finished for thy service, grant that all who shall 
enjoy the benefit of this pious work, may show forth 
their thankfulness, by making a right use of it, to 
the glory of thy blessed name. 

And grant that all who shall hereafter worship 
thee in the house here to be builded, may so serve 
and please thee, in all holy exercises of godliness, 
that they may become, in soul and body, living 
temples of the Holy Ghost, and so be prepared 



THE LAYING 0E A CORNER-STONE. 



197 



for that eternal city which hath foundations, whose 
builder and maker is God. All which we ask 
through the merits of our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the 
Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. 
Amen. 

The service shall then close with the singing of a psalm or hymn, 
and a benediction. 



|§H£ Consecration of a ^hurc^ 

The service shall open with the singing or chanting of the 24^A 
Psalm, or some other suitable psalm or hymn, by the choir or congre- 
gation. Then the minister, standing in the chancel, shall say : 

Let us pray. 

ALMIGHTY and eternal God, the King of kings 
and Lord of lords, whom the heaven of heavens 
can not contain, much less the walls of temples made 
with hands : with all the heavenly host, we render 
thee immortal praise, thanksgiving, and adoration. 
With joy and gratitude we are now assembled in 
this house, built to the honor of thy name. We 
beseech thee to send down upon us the heavenly 
benediction of thy Holy Spirit, that we may be en- 
abled to worship thee in spirit and in truth. 
thou, who art from everlasting to everlasting, hear 
us, for the sake of thy dear Son, Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 

Then shall be sung a suitable psalm or hymn ; after which one or 
more of the following scripture lessons shall be read : 



1 Kings viii. 
84th Psalm. 
Heb. x. 19-27. 



2 Chron. vi. 18-33. 
48th Psalm. 



THE CONSECRATION OF A CHURCH. 199 



Then the minister shall say : 

1R\EAKLY beloved in the Lord, in all ages of the 
JL# Church, God our heavenly Father, has ap- 
proved the acts of devout and holy men, who have 
erected sanctuaries to his worship. He filled the 
temple of Solomon with his glory, and manifested 
himself in the second temple still more gloriously. 
It is meet and right, that houses erected for the wor- 
ship of God, should be separated from common use, 
and be especially set apart and consecrated to his 
service. Thus Moses consecrated the tabernacle in 
the wilderness, and Solomon the temple upon 
Mount Moriah. Animated by the pious examples 
of those who have gone before us, and sustained by 
the help of the Lord, we have built this house to 
the honor of his great name, and are now assem- 
bled before him, that we may, by a solemn act of 
worship, devote it to its intended use. 

Blessed be the Lord our God, who has thus en- 
abled us to fulfill the desires of our hearts, in the 
building of this house, where his praise may be 
made honorable from generation to generation. To 
him be glory, as it was in the beginning, is now, 
and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 

Then, the congregation rising, the minister shall say : 

Let us now unite in confessing our holy, un- 
doubted catholic faith. 

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker 
of heaven and earth : 



200 



THE CONSECRATION OF A CHURCH. 



And in Jesus Christ his only begotten Son, our 
Lord ; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born 
of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, 
was crucified, dead and buried; he descended into 
hell ; the third day he rose from the dead ; he as- 
cended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand 
of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall 
come to judge the quick and the dead. 

I believe in the Holy Ghost ; the holy catholic 
Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness 
of sins ; the resurrection of the body, and the life 
everlasting. Amen. 

Then the minister shall say : 

And noiv, in the name of the Lord, and in he- 
half of this Christian congregation, by whom this 
house has been erected, we set it apart from all 
common and secular use / and, under the name of 
, do hereby consecrate it to the wor- 
ship of the Triune God, the Father, the Son, and 
the Holy Ghost. 

Let it be henceforth a house of God, where his 
name shall be honored, his gospel preached, and 
his sacraments dispensed; and where his blessings 
shall descend from age to age. Amen. 

Let us pray. 

HOLY, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which is, 
and which was, and which is to come: the 



THE CONSECRATION OF A CHURCH. 



201 



whole ear^h is full of thy glory! Thine, Lord, is 
the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the 
victory, and the majesty; for all that is in heayen, 
and in the earth, is thine ! 

Behold now, Lord our God, and look unto this 
place, where we are gathered in thy name; and 
haye respect to the prayers of thy servants, and to 
their supplication, which they pray before thee this 
day, to take for thine own, this house which we 
consecrate to thee. 

God. our heayenly Father, the Father of our 
Lord Jesus Christ, and in him the Father of all who 
belieye, here meet with thy children, to teach them, 
to strengthen them, and to bless them. Unto thee 
we consecrate it. 

O Son of God, the only begotten of the Father, 
Head oyer all things, our Saviour, Shepherd, High 
Priest. Advocate, here sprinkle thy ransomed ones 
with thine atoning blood; here make thy flock to 
lie doAvn in green pastures, and beside the living- 
waters ; and while thy people worship in the outer 
sanctuary, do thou intercede for them within the 
Holiest of all. L'nto thee we consecrate it. 

O Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and 
the Son, who didst come down upon our Lord Jesus 
at Jordan, and upon the Church at Pentecost, who 
takest up thine abode with all believers, thou Com- 
forter, and Sanctifier, here reveal thy power, give 
hope to the penitent, and consolation to all thy 
people. Subdue thy foes, sanctify thy Church, and 
accomplish the full glory of thy redemption. Unto 
thee we consecrate it. 



202 



THE CONSECRATION OF A CHURCH. 



O holy, adorable, and blessed Trinity, the Father, 
the Son, and the Holy Ghost : to thee we consecrate 
it. 

Let thy presence be in it, and dwell thou in the 
midst of the people that shall worship here. Give 
to it ministers of thy gospel, who shall be men after 
thine own heart, and crown their labors with thy 
blessing. When thy holy Word is read and preached 
in this place, and the holy Sacraments are admin- 
istered, send down upon the congregation the dew 
of thy heavenly grace. When thy people bring to 
thee their thanksgiving for thy gracious gifts, ac- 
cept their offering, and bless them in it, that their 
joy may be full. 

Now, therefore, arise, O Lord, and come unto 
this place of thy rest, thou and the ark of thy 
strength. Let thine eye be open toward this house 
day and night. And let thine ears be inclined to- 
ward the prayers of thy children, which they shall 
make unto thee, in this place. And when thy ser- 
vants shall make to thee their petitions here, do 
thou hear them from heaven, thy dwelling-place ; 
and when thou hearest, forg ive. 

And, grant, Lord, we beseech thee, that here 
and elsewhere, thy ministers may be clothed with 
righteousness, and thy saints rejoice in thy salva- 
tion. And may we all, with thy people everywhere, 
grow up into a holy temple in the Lord, and be at 
last received, through riches of "grace in Christ 
Jesus, into the glorious temple above: the 
house not made with hands, eternal in the heav- 
ens. And to the Father, the Son, and the Holy 



THE CONSECRATION OF A CHURCH. 



203 



Ghost, be glory and praise, world without end. 
Amen. 

Then shall be said or sung the Gloria in Excel sis. After which 
the offerings of the people shall be received. The minister shall then 
ascend the pulpit, and deliver an appropriate sermon ; after which the 
other parts of worship shall follow, as in the regular service for the 
Lord's Day. 



FOf^ t^b jgjpBNiHk of a Sy.\od 



OR CLASSIS. 

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who of thine 
infinite goodness hast chosen and preserved 
unto thyself a Church from the foundation of the 
world, and who didst by thy Spirit preside in the 
first assembly of the apostles and elders at Jerusa- 
lem, and dost still dwell in the midst of thy people ; 
mercifully regard, we beseech thee, thy servants, 
who are here assembled as an ecclesiastical court, 
for the transaction of matters relating to the inter 
ests of thy kingdom upon the earth. And as thou 
hast always shown thy fatherly love and care in 
preserving, defending, and guiding thy people in 
the knowledge of thy will, do thou be pleased to 
vouchsafe unto us, at this time, thy presence, in all 
our assemblings, that all we do, may be begun, con- 
tinued, and ended in thee, and tend to the good of 
thy Church. Impress upon us, as ministers and 
elders, a just sense of the weight of responsibility 
that rests upon us, in the positions we are now 
called to fill. And as we often come short of 
doing our whole duty, through the weakness and 
infirmity of the flesh, we pray thee to grant unto 
us the wisdom, strength, and grace necessary for 
the work before us. Deliver us from all vain and 



PRAYER FOR OPENING A SYNOD OR CLASSIS. 205 

selfish desires, and may our chief concern be, to 
please thee in all things. ® Enlighten our minds by 
thy good Spirit, that we may be defended against 
all error, and be led into all truth; and learning 
what thy will is in regard to us, enable us to dis- 
charge all our duties with a wise reference to thy 
glory and the best interests of thy Church. 

O Lord Jesus Christ, thou glorified and ascended 
Head of thy Church, who hast promised to be with 
thy people always, even unto the end of the world; 
graciously fulfill thy promise unto us at this time, 
and direct us in all our doings. Give us wisdom to 
devise, and courage to execute the measures and 
plans necessary for the accomplishment of the work 
thou hast assigned us. And do thou keep far from us 
everything that would mar the unity of our coun- 
sels, or disturb the peace of the Church. May our 
deliberations and intercourse be characterized by 
such forbearance and charity, that we may become 
more closely united with each other, and with thee, 
our Lord and Master. And when we have finished 
the work thou hast given us to do upon the earth, 
then take us unto thyself, and crown us with im- 
mortality, and we will unceasingly unite with the 
general assembly and Church of the first-born in 
heaven, in ascribing all the praise and glory of our 
salvation unto Thee, and unto the Father and the 
Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen. 
17 



gRAYE^ fO\ Tfl[E ©LOSING OF ^ ©YNOD, 
, OR CLASSIS. 

OGOD, and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
and through him the Father of all them that 
believe : we come before thee at this time under a 
deep sense of thy great goodness and mercy to- 
ward us. Thou hast created, preserved, and re- 
deemed us, and called us, as we trust, by thy Word 
and Spirit from the darkness and misery of sin to 
the fellowship of thy saints. We acknowledge that 
we are not worthy of this high calling, and desire 
in view of it to consecrate ourselves anew to thee 
and thy service. 

We bless thee, O God, that thou hast counted 
us worthy of a place in thy Church, and hast called 
us to minister in holy things. Make us mindful of 
the obligations and responsibilities that rest upon 
us in the positions in which thou hast placed us; 
and may our earnest desire be, to please thee in all 
things. And as thou hast again permitted us to 
meet as an ecclesiastical court, we pray thee to 
bless all that we have done in accordance with thy 
most holy will, that it may tend to the glory of thy 
name, and the furtherance of thy cause. We are 
conscious that much imperfection cleaves to all 



PRATER FOR CLOSING A SYNOD OR CLASSIS. 207 

our doings ; therefore do we beseech thee to for- 
give all wherein we have erred, or come short of 
the full measure of our duty. Unite our hearts 
in the bonds of love and affection, that at the 
close of our (session) sessions, and when we reach 
our homes and fields of labor, thy blessing may 
be upon us. Grant unto us health and strength, that 
we may labor earnestly and diligently in the fields 
thou hast called us to labor. Bless the Churches 
which we represent, and replenish them richly with 
all spiritual gifts in Christ Jesus. Awaken them 
to new zeal and activity, and may all come up 
as one man to the help of the Lord against the 
mighty; so that the year upon which we now en- 
ter may be filled with the tokens of thy love, 
that thy people may be edified, and sinners con- 
verted unto thee. And if, in thine all-wise prov- 
idence, we never all meet again on earth, may we 
still remain in the fellowship of thy Church, and 
abide in that charity which is the bond of perfect- 
ness; so that we may rise at last on the wings 
of faith and hope to the mansions of everlasting 
rest, joy, and blessedness, where we shall know no 
separation, and where we shall more perfectly, and 
without ceasing, praise Thee, the Triune God, Fa- 
ther, Son, and Holy Ghost, world without end. 

Our Father, &c. Amen. 



,HE ^ISITATIOjSL OF T^E j^ICK AND @YING X 



I. 

SELECTIONS OF SCRIPTURE PASSAGES. 

The following selections from the Holy Scriptures are given for 
direction and help in the visitation of the sick : 

- 1. All are invited to look to Christ and live. 

LOOK unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of 
the earth : for I am God, and there is none 
else. Isa. xlv. 22. 

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the wa- 
ters, and he that hath no money ; come ye, buy, and 
eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money 
and without price. Isa. lv. 1. 

Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy 
laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon 
you, and learn of me ; for I am meek and lowly in 
heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 
Matt, xi. 28, 29. 

In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus 



SELECTIONS OF SCRIPTURE PASSAGES. 



209 



stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him 
come unto me and drink. John. vii. 37. 

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And 
let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that 
is athirst, come. And whosoever will, let him take 
the water of life freely. Rev. xxii. 17. 

2. Mercy is promised to the truly penitent. 

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper ; but 
whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have 
mercy. Pro v. xxviii. 13. 

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the 
Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be 
as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, 
they shall be as wool. Isa. i. 18. 

Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye 
upon him while he is near : let the wicked forsake 
his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: 
and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have 
mercy upon him : and to our God, for he will 
abundantly pardon. Isa. lv. 6, 7. 

Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast 
out. John. vi. 37. 

Ask, and it shall be given you ; seek, and ye 
shall find ; knock, and it shall be opened unto you ; 
for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that 
seeketh findeth ; and to him that knocketh it shall 
be opened. Matt. vii. 7, 8. 



210 THE VISITATION OF THE SICK AND DYING. 

If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord 
Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God 
hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 
Rom. x. 9. 

3. Health and sickness, life and death, come 
not by chance, but by the hand of God. 

God that made the world and all things 
therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, 
giveth to all life and breath and all things : and is 
not far from every one of us ; for in him we live 
and move and have our being. Acts xvii. 24-28. 

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing ? and 
one of them shall not fall on the ground without 
your Father. But the very hairs of your head are 
numbered. Fear ye not, therefore, ye are of more 
value than many sparrows. Matt. x. 29-31. 

Affliction cometh not from the dust, neither doth 
trouble spring out of the ground. Behold, happy is 
the man whom God correcteth ; therefore despise 
not thou the chastening of the Almighty. Job 
v. 6, 17. 

4. God is a God of love, even when his thoughts 
are not as our thoughts. 

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither 
are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the 
heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways 
higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your 
thoughts. Isa. lv. 8, 9. 



SELECTIONS OF SCRIPTURE PASSAGES. 211 

All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth 
unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. 
Ps. xxv. 10. 

O the depths of the riches both of the wisdom 
and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his 
judgments, and his ways past finding out! For 
who hath known the mind of the Lord ? or who 
hath been his counselor? or who hath first given 
to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him 
again ? For, of him, and through him, and to him, 
are all things : to whom be glory for ever. Amen. 
Kom. xi. 33-36. 

The Lord is my Shepherd : I shall not want. He 
maketh me to lie down in green pastures : he 
leadeth me beside the still waters. Ps. xxiii. 1. 

For the Lord will not cast off for ever: but 
though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion 
; according to the multitude of his mercies. For he 
doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of 
men. Lam. iii. 31-33. 

My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord ; 
neither be weary of his correction: for whom the 
Lord loveth, he correcteth ; even as a father the 
son in whom he delighteth. Prov. iii. 11, 12. 

5. With the gift of his Son, God will give us 
all things. 

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all ac- 
ceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world 



212 THE VISITATION OF THE SICK AND DYING. 

to save sinners ; of whom I am chief. 1 Tim. 
i. 15. 

Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about 
with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside 
every weight, and the sin which doth so easily be- 
set us ; and let us run with patience the race set 
before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher 
of our faith: who, for the joy that was set before 
him, endured the cross, despising the shame ; and 
is now set down at the right hand of the throne of 
God. Heb. xii. 1-3. 

For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for 
your faults, ye shall take it patiently ? But if, 
when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it pa- 
tiently, this is acceptable with God. For even 
hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suf- 
fered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should 
follow his steps. 1 Pet. ii. 20, 21. 

For we have not an high priest which cannot 
be touched with the feeling of our infirmities : but 
was in all points tempted like as we are, yet with- 
out sin. Heb. iv. 15. 

6. The Christian must take up his cross and 
follow Jesus. 

And he said unto them all, If any man will come 
after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, 
and follow me. Luke ix. 23. 

And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth 
after me, is not worthy of me. Matt. x. 38. 



SELECTIONS OP SCRIPTURE PASSAGES. 213 

Master, I will follow thee, whithersoever thou 
goest. Matt. viii. 19. 

The disciple is not above his master, nor the 
servant above his lord. Matt. x. 24. 

"We must through much tribulation enter into 
the kingdom of God. Acts xiv. 22. 

Many are the afflictions of the righteous : but 
the Lord delivereth him out of them all. Ps. 
, xxxiv. 19. 

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me ; for 
I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find 
rest unto your souls. Matt. xi. 29. 

Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee 
i a crown of life. Rev. ii. 10. 

7. God chasteneth us, not in wrathj hut in love. 

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten : be 
\ zealous, therefore, and repent. Rev. iii. 19. 

My son, despise not thou the chastening of the 
Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of himj; 
For whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth, and 

s 

scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye en- 
dure chastening, God dealeth with you as with 

3 sons: for what son is he whom the Father chasten- 

« eth not ? Heb. xii. 5-7. 

I will bring them through the fire, and will re- 
i fine them as silver is refined, and will try them as 
18 



214 THE VISITATION OF THE SICK AND DYING. 

gold is tried : they shall call on my name, and I 
will hear them ; I will say, It is my people ; and 
they shall say, The Lord is my God. Zech. xiii. 9. 

Now, no chastening for the present seemeth to 
be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterward it 
yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto 
them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore, lift 
up the hands which hang down, and the feeble 
knees. Heb. xii. 11, 12. 

8. Afflictions are often blessings, because they 
awaken us to a knowledge of sin. 

Before I was afflicted, I went astray ; but now 
have I kept thy word. It is good for me that I have 
been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. Ps. 
cxix. 67, 71. 

We are chastened of the Lord, that we should 
not be condemned with the world. 1 Cor. xi. 32. 

Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O 
Lord, and teachest him out of thy law. Ps. xciv. 12. 

With my soul have I desired thee in the night; 
yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee 
early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, 
the inhabitants of the world will learn righteous- 
ness. Isa. xxvi. 9. 

9. Afflictions are often blessings, because they 
bring us to God and his word. 

I will arise and go to my father, and will say 



SELECTIONS OP SCRIPTURE PASSAGES. 215 

unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and 
before thee, and am no more worthy to be called 
thy son. But when he was yet a great way off, his 
father saw him, and had compassion, arid ran, and 
fell on his neck, and kissed him. Luke xv. 18-20. 

Come, and let us return unto the Lord : for he 
hath torn, and he will heal us ; he hath smitten, 
and he will bind us up. Hosea vi. 1. 

In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord. 
Ps. lxxvii. 2. 

Is any among you afflicted ? let him pray. Jas. 
v. 13. 

God is our refuge and strength, a very present 
help in trouble. Ps. xlvi. 1. 

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from 
whence cometh my help. My help cometh from 
the Lord, which made heaven and earth. Ps. 
cxxi. 1, 2. 

10. Afflictions are often blessings, because they 
purify and perfect us in the inner man. 

The Lord your God pro veth you, to know whether 
ye love the Lord your God with all your heart and 
with all your soul. Deut xiii. 3. 

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of 
all comfort ; who comforteth us in all our tribula- 
tions, that we may be able to comfort them which 



216 THE VISITATION GF THE SICK AND DYING. 

are in any trouble by the comfort wherewith we 
ourselves are comforted of God. For as the suf- 
ferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation 
also aboundeth by Christ. 2 Cor. i. 3-5. 

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation : 
for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of 
life, which the Lord hath promised to them that 
love him. James i. 12. 

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace 
with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom 
also we have access by faith into this grace 
wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory 
of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribula- 
tions also ; knowing that tribulation worketh pa- 
tience; and patience, experience ; and experience, 
hope ; and hope maketh not ashamed : because the 
love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the 
Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Rom. v. 1-5. 

11. In our afflictions God hastens to help and 
succor, if we call upon him. 

He hath said, I will never leave thee nor for- 
sake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is 
my helper, and I will not fear, what man shall do 
unto me. Heb. xiii. 5, 6. 

The Lord will not always chide ; neither will he 
keep his anger for ever. For as the heaven is high 
above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them 
that fear him. Like as a father pitieth his children, 
so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he 



SELECTIONS OP SCRIPTURE PASSAGES. 



217 



knoweth our frame ; lie reniembereth that we are 
dust. Ps. ciii. 9-14. 

Fear not ; for I have redeemed thee, I have 
called thee by thy name ; thou art mine. When 
thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee ; 
and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee : 
when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not 
be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon 
thee. Isa. xliii. 1, 2. 

Behold, happy is the man whom God correct- 
eth ; therefore despise not thou the chastening of 
the Almighty : for he maketh sore and bindeth up : 
he woundeth, and his hands make whole. He shall 
deliver thee in six troubles ; yea, in seven there 
shall no evil touch thee. Job v. 17-19. 

Call upon me in the day of trouble : I will de- 
liver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. Ps. 1. 15. 

12. God is ready to hear and answer our pray- 
ers in times of affliction. 

Hide not thy face from me in the day when I 
am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the 
day when I call, answer me speedily. Ps. cii. 2. 

And it shall come to pass, that before they call 
I will answer ; while yet they are speaking, I will 
hear. Isa. lxv. 24. 

I have heard thy prayer, and thy supplication, 
that thou hast made before me. 1 Kings ix. 3. 

The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon 



218 the visitation of the sick and dying. 

him, to all that call upon him in truth. Ps 
cxlv. 18. 

For thus saith the high and holy One thatinhab- 
iteth eternity, whose name is Holy : I dwell in the 
high and holy place, with him also that is of a con- 
trite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the 
humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite 
ones. Isa. lvii. 15. 

I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Joshua 
i. 5. 

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty 
hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time : 
casting all your care upon him ; for he careth for 
you. 1 Pet. v. 6, 7. 

13. The duty of submission and waiting for the 
help of God. 

Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from 
me : nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. 
Luke xxii. 42. 

Why art thou cast down, O my soul, and why 
art thou disquieted in me ? Hope thou in God ; for 
I shall yet praise him for the help of his counten- 
ance. Ps. xlii. 5. 

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and 
the young men shall utterly fall : but they that wait 
upon the Lord, shall renew their strength ; they 
shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall 
run, and not be weary ; they shall walk, and not 
faint. Isa. xl. 30-32. 



SELECTIONS OF SCRIPTURE PASSAGES. 219 

Cast all your care upon him, for he ciretb for 
you. 1 Pet v. 7. 

It is the Lord ; let him do what seemeth him 
good. 1 Sam. iii. 18. 

I was brought low, and he helped me. Return 
unto thy rest, my soul ; for the Lord hath dealt 
bountifully with thee. Ps. cxvi. 6, 7. 

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him. 
Ps. xxx vii. 7. 

14. The Christian is strong amid all sorrows. 

Nevertheless I am continually with thee : thou 
hast holden me up by my right hand. Thou shalt 
guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive 
me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee ? 
And there is none upon earth that I desire besides 
thee. My flesh and my heart faileth ; but God is 
the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. 
Ps. lxxiii. 23-26. 

The Lord is my Shepherd; 1 shall not want. 
Ps. xxiii. 1. 

For which cause we faint not ; but though our 
outward man perish, yet the inward man is renew- 
ed day by day. For our light affliction, which is 
but for a moment, worketh for us a far more ex- 
ceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we 
look not at the things which are seen, but at th 1 
things which are not seen : for the things which 
are seen are temporal ; but the things which are 
not seen are eternal. 2 Cor. iv. 16-18. 



"220 THE VISITATION OF THE SICK AND DYING. 

As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as having 
nothing, and yet possessing all things. 2 Cor. 
vi. 10. 

Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in re- 
proaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in dis- 
tresses for Christ's sake : for when I am weak, then 
am I strong. 2 Cor. xii. 10. 

O Lord, my strength and my fortress, and my 
refuge in the day of affliction. Jer. xvi. 19. 

15. The Christian in his afflictions is supported 
ty faith and oy hope. 

We walk by faith and not by sight. 2 Cor. v. 7. 

For our conversation is in heaven : from whence 
also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ; 
who shall change our vile body, that it may be 
fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to 
the working whereby he is able to subdue all things 
unto himself. Phil. iii. 20, 21. 

It is a faithful saying : For if we be dead with 
him, we shall also live with ' him ; if we suffer, we 
shall also reign with him. 2 Tim. ii. 11, 12. 

For here we have no continuing city, but we 
seek one to come. Heb. xiii. 14. 

In my Father's house are many mansions : if it 
were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare 
a place for you. John xiv. 2. 

The Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and 



SELECTIONS OF SCRIPTURE PASSAGES. 



221 



the days of thy mourning shall be ended. Isa. 
lx. 20. 

I have a desire to depart, and to be with Christ. 
Phil. i. 23. 

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my 
course, I have kept the faith : henceforth there is 
laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the 
Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that 
day : and not to me only, but unto all them that 
love his appearing. 2 Tim. iv. 7, 8. 

16. After "brief sorrow comes eternal joy. 

Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast 
given me, be with me where I am; that they may 
behold my glory, which thou hast given me. John 
xvii. 24. 

Yerily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth 
my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath 
everlasting life, and shall not come into condemna- 
tion; but is passed from death unto life. John 
v. 24. 

And this is the will of him that sent me, that 
every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on 
him, may have everlasting life : and I will raise him 
up at the last day. John vi. 40. 

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed 
in white raiment ; and I will not blot out his name 
out of the book of life, but I will confess his name 
before my Father, and before his angels. Rev. 
iii. 5. 



222 THE VISITATION OF THE SICK AND DYING. 

Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee 
a crown of life. Kev. ii. 10. 

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it 
doth not yet appear what we shall be : but we 
know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like 
him; for we shall see him as he is. 1 John iii. 2. 

Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have 
entered into the heart of man, the things which God 
hath prepared for them that love him. 1 Cor. ii. 9. 

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and 
come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon 
their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness 
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. a 
xxxv. 10. 

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present 
time are not worthy to be compared with the glory 
which shall be revealed in us. Rom. viii. 18. 

They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any 
more ; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any 
heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the 
throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto 
living fountains of waters : and God shall wipe 
away all tears from their eyes. Rev. vii. 16, 17. 

17. Examples of trust in the Lord, Patience 
and submission to his will. 

Moses. — Exodus xiv. 13, 14. 
Joshua — Numbers xiv. 6-9. 
David.— 1 Sam. xvii. 37, 45-47. 2 Sam. xv. 26. 
Psalm xlii. 11. 



SELECTIONS OF SCRIPTURE PASSAGES. 223 



The three friends of Daniel — Dan. iii. 16-18,28. 
Daniel— Dan. vi. 10, 22. Heb. xi. 33. 
Elijah. — 1 Kings xvii. 5-15. 
Elias.—2 Kings vi. 15-18. 
Jeremiah. — Lam. iii. 22, 23. 
Mary. — Luke i. 38, 45. 

Jesus. — Matt, xxvii. 43. Heb. ii. 13. Matt, xxvi* 
38-45. 

Noah. — Gen. viii. 6-18. 

Eli.—l Sam. iii. 15-18. 

Joh. — Chaps, i and ii. James v. 11 . 

Paul and Silas. — Acts xvi. 25-33. 

Manasseh. — 2 Chro.n. xxxiii. 12. 

18. Consolations for the sick and dying. 

Fear not, I am thy shield, and thy exceeding 
great reward. Gen. xv. 1. 

I know that my Redeemer liVeth, and that he 
shall stand at the latter day upon the earth. Job 
xix. 25. 

Tea, though I walk through the valley of the 
shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art 
with me ; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 
Ps. xxiii. 4. 

Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. O my 
God, I trust in thee : let me not be ashamed. Ps. 
xxv. 1, 2. 

The Lord is my light and my salvation ; whom 
shall I fear ? The Lord is the strength of my life ; 
of whom shall I be afraid ? Ps. xxvii. 1. 



224 THE VISITATION OF THE SICK AND DYING. 

Wait on the Lord : be of good courage, and he 
shall strengthen thy heart. Fs. xxvii. 14. 

Into thine hands I commit my spirit : thou hast 
redeemed me, O Lord God of truth. Ps. xxxi. 5. 

The righteous hath hope in his death. Prov. 
xiv. 32. 

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in 
peace, according to thy word. Luke ii. 29. 

Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit. 
Luke xxiii. 46. 

And this is the Father's will which hath sent 
me, that of all which he hath given me, I should 
lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the 
last day. John vi. 39. 

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and 
they follow me : and I give unto them eternal life ; 
and they shall never perish ; neither shall any man 
pluck them out of my hand. John x. 27, 28. 

I am the resurrection and the life : he that be- 
lieveth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live : 
and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall 
never die. Believest thou this ? John xi. 25, 26. 

Ye have received the Spirit of adoption, where- 
by we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth 
witness with our spirit, that we are the children of 
God : and if children, then heirs ; heirs of God 
and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that We suffer 
with him, that we may be also glorified together* 
Kom. viii. 15-17. 



SELECTIONS OF SCRIPTURE PASSAGES. 225 



I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor 
angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things 
present, nor things to come, nor hight, nor depth, 
nor any other creature, shall be able to separate u£ 
from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our 
Lord. Rom. viii. 38, 39. 

Whether we live, we live unto the Lord : and 
whether we die, we die unto the Lord : whether we 
live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. Rom. xiv. 8. 

For we know that if our earthly house of this 
tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building ot 
God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the 
heavens. 2 Cor. v. 1. 

I have a desire to depart and to be with Christ. 
For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Phil, 
i. 23, 21. 

Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee 
a crown of life. Rev. ii. 10. 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, which, according to his abundant mer- 
cy, hath begotten us again into a lively hope by the 
resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an in- 
heritance incorruptible, and undeflled, and that 
fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who 
are kept by the power of God through faith unto sal- 
vation, ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 
Pet. i. 3-5. 

Behold I come quickly; hold that fast which 
thou hast, that no one take thy crown. Rev. iii. 11. 



226 THE TISITATION OF THE SICK AND DYING. 

Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Acts vii. 59. 

Surely I come quickly: Amen. Even so, come, 
Lord Jesus. Rev. xxii. 20. 

19. Consolations for the bereaved. 

Let not your heart be troubled : ye believe in 
God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are 
many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you. 
J ohn xiv. 1, 2. 

And we know that all things work together for 
good, to them that love God. Rom. viii. 28. 

Jesus saith unto the ruler, Be not afraid, only 
believe. . . And when he was come in, he saith 
unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? The 
damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. Mark v. 36, 39. 

If in this life only, we have hope in Christ, we^ 
are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ 
risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of 
them that slept. 1 Cor. xv. 19, 20. 

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which 
hath great recompense of reward. Heb. x. 35. 

We have here no continuing city, but we seek 
one to come. Heb. xiii. 14. 

Let me die the death of the righteous, and let 
my last end be like his. Num. xxiii. 10. 

We are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as 
were all our fathers; our days on the earth are as 



SELECTIONS OF SCRIPTURE PASSAGES. 227 



a shadow, and there is none abiding. 1 Chron. 
xxix. 15. 

Why art thou cast down, my soul, and why 
art thou disquieted within me ? Hope thou in God. 
Ps. xlii. 11. 

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He 
that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious 
seed, hall, doubtless, come again with rejoicing, 
bringing his sheaves with him. Ps. cxxvi. 5, 6. 

The memory of the just is blessed. Prov. x. 1. 

Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sad- 
ness of the countenance the heart is made better. 
Eccl. vii. 3. 

Weep ye not for the dead, neither bemoan him. 
Jer. xxii. 10. 

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall 
sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to 
be moved. Ps. lv. 22. 

Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be 
comforted. Matt. v. 4-. 

For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a 
strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from 
the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast 
of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wait. 
Is a. xxv. 4. 



228 THE VISITATION OF THE SICK AND DYING. 



II. 

THE VISITATION OF THE SICK AND DYING. 

[When any one is sick, notice thereof should be given to the min- 
ister, or to one of the elders of the Church.] 

The minister, or elder, shall first enter into conversation with the 
sick person, and carefully endeavor to ascertain his spiritual condi- 
tion ; giving him such instruction and consolation as he may stand in 
need of. After reading to him one or more of the previous selections 
of Scripture, or other appropriate passages from the Word of God, 
he shall say : 

DEARLY beloved in the Lord, we are taught 
that Almighty God, the Creator of heaven 
and earth, so upholds and governs all things by his 
providence, that herbs and grass, rain and drouth, 
fruitful and barren years, meat and drink, health 
and sickness, riches and poverty, yea, all things, 
come not by chance, but by his fatherly hand. 
Therefore, we should be patient in adversity, thank- 
ful in prosperity, and, in all things which befall 
us, place our firm trust in our faithful God and 
Father. Wherefore, know assuredly that this your 
present sickness is God's visitation; and, that if 
you humble yourself before him, with true repent- 
ance for your sins ; if you acknowledge his righteous- 
ness, and endeavor to bear your afflictions with 
Christian patience, and resign yourself wholly to 
his will, he will make it turn out to your advan- 
tage ; for he is able to do it, being Almighty God, 
and willing, being a faithful Father. 

And however great and trying your present suf- 
ferings may be, it will be a great comfort to you to 



PRAYERS FDR THE SICK. 



229 



call to mind, that herein you do but follow in the 
footsteps of our blessed Saviour. For he himself 
went not up to joy, but first he suffered pain. He 
entered not into his glory before he was crucified. 
So is it our way to eternal joy to suffer here 
with Christ, that we may be made like unto him, 
and be fitted to dwell with him in everlasting life. 

Wherefore, dear brother, examine yourself, your 
spiritual state, your manner of life, your hope of 
heaven, during these hours of sickness ; and in all 
things place your entire trust and confidence in 
the mercy and love, and the infinite merits of our 
Redeemer, Jesus Christ. 

Let us pray. 

Here one of the prayers that follow may now be offered up, and 
the interview closed with the benediction. But if the condition of the 
sick person be such as to allow of it, the Apostles' Creed may first be 
confessed, and a suitable hymn be sung.] 

III. 

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK. 
1 . A prayer for a sick person at the commencement of a sickness. 

O MERCIFUL Father, who hast set bounds unto 
our lives beyond which we can not pass, help 
us to be grateful unto thee for the many days of 
health we have received from thy hands. And 
as this brother is now called upon to drink of the 
bitter cup of affliction, help him to do it with pa- 
tience and humility, submitting himself entirely to 
thy merciful and holy will. Teach him, that sick- 



230 THE VISITATION OF THE SICK AND DYING. 

ness and sorrow are messengers sent from on high, 
to warn us to forsake all sin, to live lives of ho- 
liness, to be prepared for our latter end, and to 
make our peace with God. We know from thy 
word, O Lord, that thou chastenest thy people, in 
order that they may not he condemned with the 
world, but may become transformed into the like- 
ness of thy dear Son, and thus be prepared to en- 
ter with him into thy glory. 

Grant him, therefore, the presence of thy Spirit, 
that he may meditate during the watches of his 
sickness on the vanity and misery of this present 
life, and on the glory of the eternal world; so that 
he may bear this affliction with submission and hu- 
mility ; that he may kiss the rod whereby the Lord 
is chastening him, and trust wholly in thy mercy 
through Jesus Christ. And if it be thy will, we 
humbly beseech thee, Father of all mercies, re- 
store him speedily to health and strength, that he 
may still further carry out thy purposes on earth 
All of which we ask in the name of Jesus Christ,, 
thy dear Son, our Lord and Redeemer. 

Our Father who art in heaven, &c. Amen. 

2. A short prayer for a sick person. 

ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father, the ever- 
lasting refuge of thy believing children; hear 
us, we humbly beseech thee, as we pray in behalf 
of thy sick servant, whom it hath pleased thee to 
afflict with bodily disease and weakness. O merci- 
fully comfort and relieve him, so that with return- 
ing health he may live to thank thee, and to praise 



PRAYERS FOR THE SICK. 



231 



thee, and to do thy most holy will evermore : 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

3. A general prayer for the sick. 

ALMIGHTY and eternal God, Creator, Preserv- 
er, and Kuler of all things, to whom belong 
the issues of life and death ; we implore thee to look 
down in great mercy upon this thy servant, whom 
thou hast been pleased to visit with bodily afflic- 
tion and disease. Let thy fatherly goodness and 
mercy be nigh unto him, as a rich fountain of com- 
fort and strength, that he may bear his sufferings 
with Christian fortitude and patience. Encourage 
and quicken his faint soul with thy Holy Spirit, 
that he may, by repentance for all the shortcomings 
of his past life, and by a firm trust in the merits of 
thy Son Jesus Christ, be prepared for all the issues 
of his present sickness. O help him, that he may 
come to a true estimate of the value of this life, its 
vanity, its abiding cares and sorrows, that he may 
so be ready to obey cheerfully the call of his heav- 
enly Father, whether that call be further to serve 
him in his earthly vineyard, or to depart this pres- 
ent life, and be at rest with the children of God. 
Strengthen his faith in the merits of Christ's death, 
and in the power of his resurrection and interces- 
sion above, that in all his sufferings the Lord may 
be a present help and faithful friend. And how- 
ever great his afflictions may be, teach him to cast 
all his cares on thine arm, and to submit himself en- 
tirely to thee, with childlike confidence, and trust 
Cause him to see that the way of ,the cross is a 



232 THE VISITATION OF THE SICK AND DYING. 

heavenly way; and that even in and through sick- 
ness the Lord is ready to do good unto those who 
love and obey him. 

We humbly beseech thee, that he may have 
grace given him to be in charity with all men ; to 
set his earthly house in order, and with humble 
submission to await the will of his heavenly Father. 

Bless the means that are used for the restora- 
tion of his health ; that if it be possible he may 
yet be an instrument of thy glory, by serving thee 
faithfully and doing good in the land of the liv- 
ing. 

O Lord Jesus, who hast suffered, and knowest 
our distresses, and unto whom all power is given 
in heaven and in earth, and who canst remove sick- 
ness and restore health; mercifully hear us and 
have compassion on this sick brother. O spare him 
yet a time longer to thy Church, and to his friends 
But if this can not be, grant him the comfort of 
thy presence, that this period of sickness may be a 
time of full preparation for the great change. 
Make his faith unwavering, and his hope sure and 
steadfast. Let thine arms of everlasting love be 
under him and round about him. Uphold him with 
thy free Spirit. And when heart and flesh shall 
fail, be thou the strength of his heart and the stay 
Of his life. And so may he depart in peace, and 
enter into those heavenly joys, which eye hath not 
seen, nor ear heard, that he may dwell with thee 
for ever: through Jesus Christ our Lord. 



Our Father who art in heaven, &c. Amen. 



PRAYERS FOR THE SICK. 



233 



4. A prayer for a sick person. 

MERCIFUL Father, who orderest all things 
V_-/in heaven and in earth, we humble ourselves 
before thee, and beseech thee to visit in mercy this 
thy servant, upon whom thou hast laid thine hand 
of affliction. Sanctify this sickness to him, and 
grant that he may receive it with meekness, and 
bear it with patience. Suffer him not, O Lord, to 
murmur and repine at the length or severity of 
his trials, but mercifully grant the aid and comfort 
of thy Holy Spirit, that this sickness may be the 
means of weaning him more and more from the 
world, and bringing him nearer to thyself, and pu- 
rifying his soul from the dross and defilement of 
this sinful life. 

We know, Father, that thou dost not willingly 
afflict and grieve the children of men, and that it 
is of thy goodness that thou hast caused thy serv- 
ant to be troubled. O grant him such measure ot 
grace as to enable him cheerfully to submit his 
will to thine. And if in the days of health and 
happiness, he has at any time forgotten thee, and 
turned aside into vanity and folly, O merciful Fa- 
ther, let not his past sins provoke thee to turn 
away thy face from him, now that he turns unto 
thee in the day of his trouble. For the sake of thy 
dear Son, pardon all his sins, and restore him to 
thy love and favor. Support him under all his 
pains and afflictions. Strengthen his faith, enliven 
his hope, increase his charity, and perfect his re- 
pentance. Give thy blessing to the means which 
may be used for his recovery, that if it shall be thy 



234 THE VISITATION OF THE SICK AND DYING. 

good pleasure to restore him to his former health, 
he may pass the remainder of his life in thy fear, 
and to thy glory. But if thou hast otherwise de- 
termined, grant that as the outward man decayeth, 
the inner man may more and more be strengthened 
and renewed by thy Holy Spirit; so that after this 
life is ended, he may dwell with thee in life ever- 
lasting: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

5. A prayer for a sick person. 

OGOD, Father of mercies and God of all com- 
fort, our Help and Refuge in times of distress 
and sorrow, we bow ourselves before thy throne, 
and acknowledge ourselves to be weak and sinful 
mortals. We know that thy fatherly chastisements 
are far less than our sins have deserved, and that 
thou sendest them upon us, not in wrath, but for 
our spiritual good. Therefore, we humbly beseech 
thee to forgive us all our sins ; and. we pray thee to 
reveal thy mercy and thy grace to this our brother 
in his weakness, that he may be strengthened 
mightily in the inner man. 

Thou hast promised that all who take the yoke 
and burden of thy Son upon themselves, shall find 
rest unto their souls. Grant that he may find this 
rest and peace, not in himself, nor in his own right- 
eousness, but in the power of Christ's death and 
resurrection; in a living union with his person ; in 
the glorious and precious promises of his gospel ; 
and in the comforting presence of his Holy Spirit. 
Relieve his pain and anguish, and quicken him with 
strength from on high, so that he may willingly suf- 



PRAYERS FOR THE SICK. 



235 



fer whatever is thy will, even as our Redeemer vol- 
untarily took on himself the guilt and punishment 
and sorrows of the whole world. Give him a sense 
of thy nearness and infinite goodness. Have mer- 
cy, O Saviour, and support him in all his trials, and 
bless all means that are made use of to restore him 
to health. Comfort him and all whose hearts are 
wrung with sorrow at his afflictions, with that com- 
fort which the world can neither give nor take 
away. 

Our Father who art in heaven, &c. Amen. 

6. A prayer for one not prepared for death. 

OMOST merciful God and Father, we know that 
thou hast no pleasure in the death of the sin- 
ner, but rather that he would turn unto thee and 
live. Aid this thy servant to turn away from sin 
and self-righteousness, and to seek for peace and 
rest in thy Son Jesus Christ, and in his grace only. 

We beseech thee, most merciful Saviour, who 
didst open the gates of Paradise to the penitent 
thief when hanging on the cross, to look down in 
tender compassion upon him, and hear his cries and 
tears for forgiveness and help. 

O Lamb of God, thou that takest awa3^ the sins 
of the world, take away his sins also, and wash him 
in thy most precious blood. O thou who didst 
come to seek and save that which was lost, and 
who art able to save unto the uttermost all who 
come unto God by thee ; help him by thy grace and 
Spirit, and suffer him not to sink into despair, nor 
into the pains of eternal death. Encircle him with 



236 THE VISITATION OF THE SICK AND DYING. 

the arms of thy pardoning love, and speak unto 
him the comforting words: Be of good cheer, thy 
sins are forgiven thee. 

Our Father who art in heaven, <fec. Amen* 

7. A prayer for a dying Christian. 

OGOD of all grace, have mercy upon this thy 
dying servant, and support him in this trying 
hour. We commend him into thy hands, as into 
the hands of a faithful Creator, and most merciful 
Saviour. 

O Jesus„*Redeemer and High Priest, thou Lamb 
of God that takest away the sins of the world, we 
humbly beseech thee, for the sake of thy bitter 
passion, have mercy upon his soul, and bring him 
to thy heavenly rest. 

O Holy Spirit, Comforter and Guide, preserve 
his soul against all temptations of the enemy, and 
strengthen his faith, that he may have an assured 
confidence of the forgiveness of his sins and eter- 
nal life. 

O Holy Trinity, into thy hands we commit his 
spirit. Thou hast redeemed him, O faithful God, 
who livest and reigneth in all eternity. Amen. 

8. Benedictions for the sick and dying. 

BEAR thy sufferings patiently, as a faithful fol- 
lower of the Lord Jesus, who suffered in thy 
stead. Fight the good fight of faith unto the end. 
Die in the faith, relying upon him who has died for 



PRAYERS FOR THE SICK. 



237 



thee. Be faithful unto death, and the Lord will give 
thee the crown of eternal life. Amen. 

Fear not, thy Redeemer is with thee. He was 
dead, and behold, he is alive for evermore, and giv- 
eth life unto all who come unto the Father by him. 
His peace be with thee amid all sufferings and 
pains. His peace support thee in the last conflict, 
and strengthen thee unto a joyful victory. Amen. 

The Lord our God have mercy upon you and 
strengthen you. The Lord make his face shine 
upon you, and give you peace. The Lord bless 
your departure from time, and your entrance into 
eternity. Amen. 

Be of good comfort and fear not The Lord 
is your Shepherd; you shall not want He will 
lead you through the dark valley, and bring you to 
the living fountains, where God will wipe all tears 
from your eyes. Amen. 

The peace of God be with you in all your trials. 
The peace of God be with you in the hour of your 
death. The peace of God go with you into the 
perfect rest of heaven. Amen. 

9. A prayer for a sick child. 

OLORD God of Truth, who art the Father of 
all thy children in heaven and in earth, and 
who takest pity upon us, even as a father pitieth 
his children ; look down in mercy upon this child, 
now lying upon a bed of sickness. O regard the 

pain and suffering and anguish of this child, as well 
20 



238 THE VISITATION OF THE SICK AND DYING. 



as the sorrow and affliction of these (parents and) 
friends. Impute not unto this child its sins; nor 
do unto us according to our transgressions. But, 
we humbly beseech thee, bless it according to 
thy great mercy ; and forgive us our transgressions, 
for the sake of thy dear Son, who was once a child 
amongst us. O bless and spare this child, cre- 
ated by thee, redeemed by thy Son, and consecrated 
to thy service in holy baptism. Be very near unto 
it; yea, overshadow it with thy wings of peace dur- 
ing all its afflictions. 

If it be thy will, ease its pains, and speedily re- 
store it to health, to our joy and great comfort; 
that it may live to praise thee and serve thee in 
the beauty of holiness. But if it must now pass 
through the dark valley, give it a calm and peace- 
ful passage from time to eternity : tor the sake of 
the bitter passion of thy only-begotten Son, our 
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 

10. A prayer for a sick child. 

OALMIOHTY and most merciful Father, in 
Avhose hands are the issues of life and death- 
look down, we beseech thee, in compassion, upon 
this child, now lying upon a bed of sickness. 

If it be thy good pleasure, deliver it from its 
bodily sickness, prolong its days upon the earth, 
enable it to live in thy fear and to thy glory, and 
visit it with thy salvation. But if it be thy will, 
O most gracious God, to take its soul at this time 
out of the world, receive it, we beseech thee, 
in^o those heavenly habitations, where the souls of 



PRAYERS FOR THE SICK. 



239 



those who sleep in the Lord Jesus, enjoy perpetual 
rest and felicity. Grant this, Lord, for the love 
of thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 

11. A prayer for a dying child. 

ALMIGHTY God, Father of all goodness, who 
even in death and dying, still preservest the 
lives of thy children, we humbly beseech thee to 
turn thine eyes of mercy toward this suffering child, 
whose soul is about departing from its body. 

We commit its spirit into thy hands; beseech- 
ing thee to accept the infinite sacrifice of Jesus 
Christ, thy beloved Son, as an atonement for all its 
sins ; seeing that it has been consecrated to thee. 
Shorten its present suffering, and grant it a happy 
passage from this evil world, into the home of eter- 
nal rest. 

O send down thy holy angels, that they may bear 
its spirit to the assembly of the saints above, there 
to live with thee, and all the just made perfect, in 
glory and blessedness, for ever and ever; through 
the mediation and merits of thy Son, Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 



|§HE f§URIAL OF THE (gjBAp, 



I. 

THE SERVICE AT TH*1 HOUSE. 
The minister shall rise and say: 

Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made 
heaven and earth. Amen. 

Then shall be sung a suitable psalm or hymn; after which the 
minister shall read such selections from the following sentences, as 
may to him seem appropriate: 

a. At the burial of children. 

IT is better to go to the house of mourning, than 
to go to the house of feasting: for that is the 
end of all men; and the living will lay it to his 
heart. Eccl. vii. 2. 

Though he cause grief, yet will he have compas- 
sion according to the multitude of his mercies. 
For he doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the 
children of men, Lam. iii. 33. 



THE SERVICE AT THE HOUSE. 



241 



Despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, 
nor faint when thou art rebuked of him : for whom 
the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every 
son whom he receive th. Now no chastening for 
the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous, 
nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable 
fruit of righteousness unto them which are exer- 
cised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which 
hang down, and the feeble knees. Heb. xii. 5-12. 

I was dumb, I opened not my mouth ; because 
thou didst it. Ps. xxxix. 9. 

Take heed that ye despise not one of these lit- 
tle ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their 
angels do always behold the face of my Father 
which is in heaven. Even so it is not the will of 
your Father which is in heaven, that one of these 
little ones should perish. Matt, xviii 10, 14. 

A voice was heard in Ram ah, lamentation, and 
bitter weeping; Rachel weeping for her children, 
refused to be comforted for her children, because 
they were not. Jer. xxxi. 15. 

And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth 
upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days. 
And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to 
comfort him ; but he refused to be comforted ; and 
he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my 
son mourning. Thus his father wept for him. Gen. 
xxxvii. 34, 35. 

Then said his servants unto him, What thing is 



242 



THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD. 



this that thou hast done ? thou didst fast and weep 
for the child, while it was alive ; but when the child 
was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread. And he 
said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and 
wept: for I said, Who can tell whether God will be 
gracious to me, that the child may live ? But now 
lie is dead, wherefore should I fast ? can I bring him 
back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not re- 
turn to me. 2 Sam. xii. 21-23. 

And it came to pass, when the man of God saw 
her afar off, that he said to Gehazi his servant, Be- 
hold, yonder is that Shunammite : run now, I pray 
thee, to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with 
thee ? is it well with thy husband ? is it well with 
the child ? And she answered, It is well. 2 Kings 
iv. 25, 26. 

And they brought young children to him, that 
he should touch them ; and his disciples rebuked 
those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, 
he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer 
the little children to come unto me, and forbid them 
not ; for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I 
say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the king- 
dom of God as a little child, he shctll not enter 
therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his 
hands upon them, and blessed them. Mark x. 13-16. 

But he said, Weep not ; she is not dead, but 
sleepeth. Luke viii. 52. 

Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do 
thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know here- 
after. John. xiii. 7. 



THE SERVICE AT THE HOUSE. 



For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, 
even so them, also which sleep in Jesus, will God 
bring with him. 1 Thess. iv. 11. 

The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; 
olessed he the name of the Lord. . Job i. 21. 

Wherefore, comfort one another with these 
words. 1 Thess. iv. 18. 

6. At the burial of adults. 

It is better to go to the house of mourning, than 
to^ go to the house of feasting : for that is the 
end of all men: and the living will lay it to his 
heart. Eccl. vii 2. 

Affliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither 
doth trouble spring out of the ground. See now, 
saith the Lord, that I. even I, am he. and there is 
no god with me. I kill, and I make alive ; I 
wound, and I heal; neither is there any that can 
deliver out of my hand. Job v. 6. Deut. xxxii. 39. 

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not con- 
sumed; because his compassions fail not. Like as 
a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth 
them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; 
he remembereth that we are dust. Lam. iii. 22. 
Ps. ciii. 13, 11. 

For we know that, if our earthly house of this 
tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of 
God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the 
heavens. 2 Cor. v. 1. 



244 



THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD. 



Therefore we are always confident, knowing that 
whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent 
from the Lord. We are confident, I say, and willing 
rather to be absent from the body, and to be present 
with the Lord, 2 Cor. v. 6, 8. 

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, 
and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy 
upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and glad- 
ness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Isa. 
xxxv. 10. 

And God shall wipe away all tears from their 
eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither 
sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more 
pain : for the former things are passed away. Rev. 
xxi. 4. 

And there shall be no night there; and they 
need no candle, neither light of the sun ; for the 
Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign 
for ever and ever. Rev. xxii. v. 

These are they which came out of great tribu- 
lation, and have washed their robes, and made them 
white in Ihe blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they 
before the throne of God, and serve him day and 
night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the 
throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger 
no more, neither thirst any more ; neither shall the 
sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb 
which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, 
and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters : 
and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes 
Rev. vii. 14-17. 



THE SERVICE AT THE HOUSE. 245 

For we have not an High Priest which can not 
be touched with the feeling of our infirmities ; but 
was in all points tempted like as we are, yet with- 
out .sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the 
throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and 
find grace to help in time of need. Heb. iv. 15, 16. 

Leave thy fatherless children, saith the Lord; I 
will preserve them alive ; and let thy widows trust 
in me. Jer. xlix. 11. 

A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the 
widows, is God in his holy habitations. Ps. lxviii.5. 

When my father and my mother forsake me, 
then the Lord will take me up. Ps. xxvii. 10. 

As for man, his days are as grass ; as a flower 
of the field, so he flourisheth. Por the wind pass- 
eth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof 
shall know it no more. Ps. ciii. 15, 16. 

Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, 
Keturn, ye children of men. . . . Thou earn- 
est them away as with a flood ; they are as a sleep : 
in the morning they are like grass wdiich groweth 
up. In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up ; 
in the evening it is cut down, and withereth. Ps. xc. 
3-6. 

For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that 
appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 
James iv. 14. 

The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away ; 
blessed be the name of the Lord. Job i. 21. 



246 



THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD. 



For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, 
even so them also which sleep in Jesus, will God 
bring with him. 1 Thess. i\\ 14. 

Wherefore comfort one another with these 
words. 1 Thess. iv. 18. 

Let us pray : 

O MERCIFUL God, the God of all comfort and 
consolation, who dost cause the children of 
men to walk through the dark valley and shadow 
of death: we humbly beseech thee to regard in 
mercy these sorrowing friends, and so to comfort 
them by thy grace, that they may submit them- 
selves to thy wise and holy will, and that they may 
meekly receive this chastisement from thy hand, to 
their spiritual improvement and benefit. Send 
down upon each one of us thy Holy Spirit, who is the 
true Teacher and Comforter, that he may lead us 
into all truth, and prepare us rightly to live and 
die in the Lord; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 

[Or, this :] 

/\ MERCIFUL God, and Father of our Lord Jesus 
v^/ Christ, under the shadow of thy judgments we 
come to thee, and acknowledge thee to be the Lord 
alone. Thou hast entered this house with thy 
chastenings ; O be thou nigh in thy tender compas- 
sion to these afflicted ones. Draw them to thyself 
and heal their bleeding hearts with thy consolation. 
Make the night of their grief to be light by thy 
grace. And deliver us all from the bondage of our 



THE SERVICE AT THE CHURCH. 



247 



sins, that we may be free from the fear of death, 
and be ready at thy coming. For Christ's sake, 
sanctify us by thy Holy Spirit, that whether we live, 
we may live unto the Lord, or whether we die, we 
may die unto the Lord; so that whether we live or 
die, we may be the Lord's. Amen. 

[If there be no service in the Church, a short sermon or address 
shall now be delivered ; after which the minister shall make such an- 
nouncements as may be desired, and invite the persons assembled to 
accompany the remains of the deceased, in a Christian and orderly 
manner, to the graveyard, or Church, as the case may be.] 

II. 

THE SERVICE AT THE CHURCH. 

On arriving at the Church, the minister shall precede the corpse, 
and while passing slowly along the aisle, the choir may sing a suitable 
sentence or anthem. When the congregation is seated, the minister 
shall rise and read the Ninetieth Psalm, or such of the following por- 
tions of scripture as he may deem most suitable : 

John xi. — Death and resurrection of Lazarus. 

1 Cor. xv. — The resurrection of the dead. 

2 Cor. v. — The future life and redemption 
through Christ. 

1 Thess. iv. 13-18. — The certainty of the resur- 
rection of the righteous. 

John xiv. 1-19. — Jesus comforts his disciples in 
view of his death. 

Rev. xx. 11-15. — The last judgment. 

Rev. xxi. — The New Jerusalem. 

John v. 19-29. — Christ proclaimeth the resur- 
rection and the final judgment. 

Gen. xxiii. — The burial of Sarah. 



248 



THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD. 



Gen. 1. — The burial of Jacob. 
Job i. — The afflictions of Job. 
Job iii. — Job's extreme anguish of spirit. 
Job xiv. — The brevity and uncertainty of life. 
Heb. xii. 1-14. — Jesus our example in afflictions. 
Rev. vii. 9-17. — The future happiness of the 
righteous. 

2 Sam. xii. 16-23.— The death of David's child. 

2 Kings iv. 18-26.— The death of the Shunam- 
mite's child. 

Eccl. xii. 1-7. — The death of man. 

Lam. iii. 22-41. — God's dealings with the right- 
eous. 

Then shall be sung a suitable psalm or hymn ; after which the 
minister shall say : 

Let lis pray. 

O MERCIFUL God, the Father of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, who is the resurrection and the 
life ; in whom whosoever believeth, shall live, 
though he die ; and whosoever liveth, and believ- 
eth in him, shall not die eternally; who also* 
hath taught us, by his holy apostle, not to sor- 
row, as without hope, for those who sleep in him: 
we humbly beseech thee, to raise us from the 
death of sin unto the life of righteousness ; that 
when we shall depart this life, we may rest in him ; 
and that at the general resurrection in the last day, 
we may be found acceptable in thy sight, and re- 
ceive the joyful welcome of thy beloved Son, 
saying to all who love and fear thee: Come, ye 
blessed of my Father, receive the kingdom pre- 



THE SERVICE AT THE GRAVE. 



249 



pared for you from the foundation of the world. 
Grant this, we beseech thee, O merciful Father, 
through Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Redeemer. 
Amen. 

[Or, this :] 

OGOD, whose days are without end, and whose 
mercies can not be numbered ; make us, we be- 
seech thee,deeply sensible of the shortness and un- 
certainty of human life; and let thy Holy Spirit 
lead us through this vale of misery, in holiness and 
righteousness, all the days of our lives: that when 
we shall have served thee in our generation, we 
may be gathered unto our fathers, having the testi- 
mony of a good conscience ; in the communion of 
the Christian Church; in the confidence of a cer- 
tain faith ; in the comfort of a reasonable, religious, 
and livly hope ; in favor with theo our God, and 
in perfect charity with the world: all which we 
ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Then shall follow a sermon or exhortation, and such other services 
as the minister shall think unto edification ; after which the funera 
shall proceed to the grave. 

III. 

THE SERVICE AT THE GRAVE. 

After the coffin has been lowered into the grave, the minister shall 
read such selections from the following sentences as may to him seem 
appropriate : 

a. — At the burial of children. 

MAN that is born of a woman is of few days, 
and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a 



250 



THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD. 



flower, and is cut clown ; lie fleeth also as a shadow, 
and continueth not. Job xiv. 1, 2. 

As for man, his days are as grass : as a flower of 
the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth 
over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall 
know it no more. Ps. ciii. 15, 16. 

Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they 
are as a sleep; in the morning they are like, grass 
which groweth up. In the morning it flourisheth, 
and groweth up ; in the evening it is cut down and 
withereth. Ps. xc. 5, 6. 

For what is your life ? It is even a vapor, that 
appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth 
away. James iv. 14. 

But 1 would not have you to be ignorant, breth- 
ren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sor- 
row not, even as others which have no hope. For 
if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even 
so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring 
with him. 1 Thess. iv. 13. 

For we know that if our earthly house of this 
tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of 
God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the 
heavens. 1 Cor. v. 1. 

Jesus saith: Suffer the little children to come 
unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the - 
kingdom of God. Mark x. 14. 

Jesus said, Weep not ; she is not dead, but sleep- 
eth. Luke viii. 52. 



THE SERVICE AT THE GRAVE. 



251 



The Lori gave, and the Lord hath taken away ; 
blessed be the name of the Lord. Job i. 21. 

b.—At the burial of adults. 

MAN that is born of a woman is of few days, 
and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a 
flower, and is cut down : he fleeth also as a shadow, 
and continueth not. Job xiv. 1, 2. 

As the cloud is consumed and vanisheth away ; 
so he that goeth down to the grave shall come up 
no more. He shall return no more to his house^ 
neither shall his place know him any more. Job 
vii. 9, 10. 

We spend our years as a tale that is told. The 
days of our years are threescore years and ten; 
and if by reason of strength they be fourscore 
years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for 
it is soon cut off and we fly away. Ps. xc. 9, 10. 

There is but a step between me and death. 1 
Sam. xx. 3. 

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with 
thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor 
knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave whither thou 
goest. Eccl. ix. 10. 

Lord make me to know mine end, and the meas- 
ure of my days, what it is ; that I may know how 
frail I am. Ps. xxxix. 4. 

So teach us to number our days, that we may 
apply our hearts unto wisdom. Ps. xc. 12. 



252 



THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD. 



Then shall the dust return to the earth as it 
was ; and the spirit shall return unto God who gave 
it. Eccl. xii. 7. 

If a man die, shall he live again ? all the days 
of my appointed time will I wait, till my change 
come. Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee : 
thou wilt have a desire to the work of thy hands. 
Job xiv. 14, 15. 

For I know that my Kedeemer liveth, and that 
he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: aud 
though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet 
in my flesh shall I see God : Whom I shall see for 
myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not an- 
other. Job xix. 25-27. 

Now is Christ risen from the dead, and become 
the first-fruits of them that slept. For since by 
man came death, by man came also the resurrection 
of the dead. 1 Cor. xv. 20-22. 

For this corruptible must put on incorruptible, 
and this mortal must put on immortality. 1 Cor. 
xv. 53. 

I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, 
concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow 
not, even as others which have no hope. For if we 
believe that Jesns died and rose again, even so 
them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with 
him. 1 Thess. iv. 13. 

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of 
his saints. Ps. cxvi. 15. 



THE SERVICE AT THE GRAVE. 



253 



There is one glory of the sun, and another glory 
of the moon, and another glory of the stars ; for one 
star difFereth from another star in glory. So also 
is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in cor- 
ruption, it is raised in incorruption ; it is sown in 
dishonor, it is raised in glory ; it is sown in weakness, 
it is raised in power ; it is sown a natural body, it 
is raised a spiritual body. 1 Cor. xv. 41-44, 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath 
begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resur- 
rection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inher- 
itance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth 
not away. 1 Pet. iii. 4. 

For the hour is coming, in the which all that 
are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall 
come forth; they that have done good, unto the 
resurrection of life ; and they that have done evil, 
unto the resurrection of damnation. John v. 28, 29. 



Then shall the minister say : 

In the midst of life we are in death: of whom 
may we seek for succor, but of thee, O Lord, who 
for our sins art justly displeased. 

Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts; 
shut not thy merciful ears to our prayers ; but 
spare us, O Lord, and suffer us not at our last hour 
to fall from thee. 

And no for as muck as it hath pleased Al- 
mighty God, in his wise providence, to take out of 



254 



THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD. 



this world the soul of {our deceased brother), ice 
therefore commit (his) body to the ground, earth 
to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; looking for 
the general resurrection in the last day, at the com- 
ing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall change 
our corruptible bodies into the likeness of Jiis own 
glorious body. Amen. 

I heard a voice from heaven, saying' unto me. 
Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord 
from henceforth : yea, saith the Spirit, that they 
may rest from their labors ; and their works do fol- 
low them. 

If an address at the grave is to be made, it shall now be delivered. 
"While the grave is being closed, an appropriate hymn may be sung. 
Then shall the minister pronounce the Benediction : 

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love 
of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be 
with you all. Amen. 



A BURIAL SERVICE TO BE USED AT THE GRAVE. 

MAN that is born of a woman is of few days, 
and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a 
flower, and is cut down : he fleeth also as a shadow, 
and continueth not. Job xiv. 1, 2. 

For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man 
as the flower of the grass. The grass withereth 
and the flower thereof falleth away. 1 Pet. i. 24. 

For what is your life ? It is even a vapor, that 



THE SERVICE AT THE GRAVE. 



255 



appeareth for a Jittle time, and then vanisheth 
away. James iv. 14. 

We are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as 
were all our fathers : our days on earth are as a 
shadow, and there is none abiding. 2 Ohron. 
xxxix. 15. 

Lord, make me to know mine end, and the 
measure of my days, what it is ; that I may know 
how frail I am. Ps. xxxix. 4. 

In the midst of life we are in death : of whom 
may we seek for succor, but of thee, Lord, who 
for our sins art justly displeased? 

Yet, O Lord God most holy, O holy and most 
merciful Saviour, deliver us not into the bitter 
pains of eternal death. 

Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts ; 
shut not thy merciful ears to our prayers ; but spare 
us, and suffer us not, at our last hour, to fall from 
thee. 

The hour is coming, in the which all that are in 
the graves shall hear the voice of the Lord Jesus, 
and shall come forth. Until that day of the glo- 
rious revelation of the great God and our Saviour, 

we commit the body of ( ) to the ground: 

earth to earth ; ashes to ashes ; dust to dust. Amen. 




ftottectian of $uitabte Scriptural f assays 
tor $pjejcial ffurp^sjes, 

I. GENERAL SINFULNESS AND GUILT. 

Rom. 3: 10-20; 7: 14-24. Eph. 2: 1-4. Titus 3: 
3. Matt. 5: 20-28; 7: 19; 12: 36; 15: 19,20. John 
3: 3, 6. Bom. 8: 6-8. 1 Cor. 2: 14. Gen. 8: 21. 
1 John 1: 8. James 4: 17. Ps. 19: 13. Deut. 27: 26. 
Gal. 3: 10. Matt. 7: 17. Rom. 1: 18; 6: 23. Job 9: 
2,3. Ps. 40: 13; 51: 7; 130: 3; 143: 2. Isa. 1: 5,6. 

II. BLINDNESS OF THE HEART IN RESPECT TO SIN, AND 
FLESHLY SECURITY. 

Matt. 25; 1-13. Luke 12: 15-21; 12: 34-48; 13: 
6-19; 14: 10-24; 21: 34-36. Mark 13: 33-39. John 
9: 39-41. Rom. 2: 1-6. 

Examples. — Men at the time of the flood, Matt. 24: 
37-42 (Gen. 6: 1-13). The men of Sodom and Gomor- 
rah, Luke 17: 28-33 (Gen. 19: 1-14). Peter and the 
other Apostles, Matt. 26: 31-45. The rich man, Luke 
16: 19. Jerusalem, Luke 19: 41-44. The Church in 
Laodicea, Rev. 3: 14-19. The Pharisee, Luke 18: 
9-12. The rich young man, Luke 18: 18-23. 



258 



APPENDIX. 



III. PENITENCE AND REPENTANCE. 

Matt. 9: 9-13. Dan. 9: 1-24. Matt. 21: 28-32; 22: 
1-14. Luke 15 • 1-10. 2 Cor. 7 : 9, 10. Lam. 3 : 22-42. 
Ps. 25. The seven penitential Psalms, 23, 38, 51, 102; 
130, 143. Joel 2: 12, 13. 

Examples of true penitence and repentance. — David, 2 
Sam. 12: 13. Ps. 51. Nineveh, Jonah 3. Ezra and 
the people, Ezra chaps. 9 and 10. The Jewish people, 
Luke 3 : 10-14. The woman who was a sinner, Luke 7 : 

37- 50. The lost son, Luke 15: 11-21. The Publican, 
Luke 18: 13, 14. Zaccheus, Luke 19: 1-8. Peter, 
Luke 22: 55-62. The thief on the cross, Luke 23: 

38- 43. The three thousand, Acts 2 : 37-42. Saul, Acts 
9: 1-22. The Jailer, Acts 16: 23-34. 

Examples of false penitence. — Cain, Gen. 4: 12-16. 
Pharaoh, Exod. 9: 27-35, and 10: 14-20. The people 
of Israel, Num. 14: 39-45. Saul, Heb. 12: 16, 17 
(Gen. 25: 29-34; 27: 30-41). 

IV. FAITH IN THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS THROUGH GOD'S 
PROMISE IN CHRIST. 

John 3: 14-16; 18: 36. John 1: 12. Acts 10: 43. 
Eom. 3: 21-28; 4: 5; chap. 4: 23 to chap. 5: 11; 10: 
8-17; 1: 16, 17. Gal. 3: 22-27. Eph. 2: 4-10. Phil. 
3: 7-11. Col. 1: 19-23. Heb. 4: 15, 16; 10: 16-23. 

Examples. — The Apostles, John 6: 37, 69. Matt. 16: 
15-17. The father of the possessed boy, Mark 9: 23 
24 The woman of Canaan, Matt. 15: 22-28. The 
woman who was a sinner, Luke 7 : 50. The three 
thousand, Acts 2: 37-44. The Eunuch of Ethiopia, 
Acts 8: 26-39. The Jailer, Acts 16: 23-34. Saul be- 



APPENDIX. 



259 



comes a Paul, Acts 9: 1-20. 1 Tim. 1: 12-16. Lydia, 
Acts 1G: 13-15. Martha, John 11: 27. The thief on 
the cross, Lnke 23: 42. The Centurion, Matt. 8: 8-13. 
John the Baptist, John 1: 26-30. 

V. PROMISE OF THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS. 

Matt. 11: 28-40. Mark 10: 45. Matt. 26 : 28. John 
1: 29. Luke 15: 1-10. Eom. 8: 31-34; 5:18-21. 
1 Cor. 1: 30. 2 Cor. 5: 18-21. Gal. 3: 10-14; 4: 
4-7. Eph. 2: 13-19; 1: 3-7. Col. 1 : 12-14. 1 Thess. 
5: 9, 10. 1 John 1: 7-9; 2: 1, 2; 3: 1-5; 4: 9, 10; 
10 : 12-14. Rev. 1 : 4-6 ; 12 : 10, 11 ; 22 : 17. Isa. 
53: 4-6; 33: 24, 25; 44: 21, 22; 1: 18; 54: 10; 55: 
6-9; 61: 1-3. Jer. 31 : 31-34; 33: 8, 15, 16. Ps. 103 : 

I- 12: 116: 1-8. Zach. 13: 1. Hez. 34: 15,16; 33 : 
11. Dan. 4: 24. f Micah 7 : 18, 19. Zeph. 3 : 16, 17. 

VI. REGENERATION AND RENEWAL IN CHRIST. 

John 3 : 3-8. Titus 3 : 3-8. 1 Pet. 1 : 23; 2:1-4. 
1 John 5 : 1. Acts 15 : 9. 2 Cor. 5 : 17. Gal. 6 : 15. 

1 Pet. 2: 1-4. Eph. 4: 22-24. Col. 3: 9, 10. James 
1: 18. Jer. 31: 31-43. Hez. 36: 25-27. 

VII. SANCTIFICATION IN GENERAL. 

1 Pet. 1: 13-16. 2 Pet, 1: 4-7; 3: 18. Phil. 3: 

12-14. Heb. 12: 12-14. Eom. 6: 11-13; 8: 1-15. 

2 Cor. 4: 16; 6 : 14, to chap. 7: 1. Gal. 5: 14-24. 
John 15: 1-6. 1 John 2: 3-6; 3: 6-10. Titus 2: 

II- 14, James 1: 22-25. 

VIII. LOVE TO GOD. 

Matt. 22: 37, 38; 10: 37. John 14: 21-23. 1 John 



260 



APPENDIX. 



4: 19; 2: 5; 3: 17; 5: 2. Bom. 5: 5. 2 Thess. 3: 5. 
Eph. 3: 19. 

Examples. — Peter, John 21 : 15-17. Paul, 2 Cor. 5: 
14. David, Ps. 18: 2. Asaph, Ps. 73: 25,26. The 
friends of Daniel Dan. 3: 17, 18. Mary Magdalene, 
Mark 16: 9. Mary, Matt. 26: 6-13 (John 12: 3). Ste- 
phen, Acts 7 : 58. 

IX. LOVE TO ONE'S. NEIGHBOR. 

Matt. 22: 39, 40; 25: 34-40; 5: 43-48. Eom. 12: 
20, 21. 1 John 4: 7, 20, 21; 5: 1; 2: 9, 11; 3: 15-18. 
John 13: 34, 35. Eom. 3: 8-10. 

Examples. —The good Samaritan, Luke 10: 27-37. 
Christ, Luke 22: 50,51; 23: 34. Peter, Acts 2: 36-39; 
3: 14-20 (comp. John 10: 10). Paul, Rom. 9: 3. John, 
1 John 4: 7, 8, 20, 21 (comp. Luke 9: 54). Stephen, 
Acts 7 : 59. The king reckoning with his servants, 
Matt. 18: 23, 24. Moses, Exod. 32: 31, 32. Abraham, 
Gen. 13: 8,9. Lot, Gen. 19: 1-3. Bebecca, Gen. 24: 
17-20. Isaac, 26: 12-22. Kuth, Ruth 1: 14-17. Jo- 
seph, Gen. 45: 4-8. Samuel 18: 1; 20: 13-15; 23: 
16, 17. David, 1 Sam. 24: 7; 26: 9. 2 Sam. 16: 10,11. 

X. PRAYER IN GENERAL. 

Matt. 6: 7-13. 1 Tim. 2: 1-6. 1 Thess. 5: 17. Bom. 
12: 12. 

XI. THANKSGIVING PRAYER. 

Ps. 106: 1; 50: 23. Job 1: 21. Ps. 92: 2,3. Ps. 
73: 28. Ps. 63: 7. Deut. 8: 10. 

Examples.— David, Ps. 103. Ps. 30; 116; 118; 23; 
34. Hezekiah, Isa. 38: 10-20. Daniel, Dan. 6: 10. Mo- 



APPENDIX. 



261 



ses, Miriam- and the children of Israel, Exod. 15: 1-21. 
Hannah, 1 Sam. 2: 1-10. Mary, Lake 1: 46-55. The 
Samaritan, Lake 17: 15, 16. 

XII. PRAYER. PETITIONS. 

Matt. 7: 7. Lake 11: 1-13. Ps. 27: 8; 34: 6, 7. 
Ps. 148: 18, 19; 62: 9; 6: 10. Lake 11: 12. Ps. 50: 
14, 15. James 1: 5-7. Ps. 102: 18. James 5: 13; 4: 
2, 3. Petitions in the name of Jesus. — John 14: 13, 14; 
16: 23,24. Matt. 18: 19, 20; 21: 22. 1 John 3: 22, 23; 
5: 14. 

Examples.^— Believing prayer for earthly blessings. — ■ 
The Leper, Matt. 8: 2. The Centurion, Matt. 8: 8. The 
woman of Canaan, Matt. 15 : 22-28. The Widow, Luke 
18: 1-8. The Church at Jerusalem, Acts 12: 5. Abra- 
ham's servant, Gen. 24: 12-14. Jacob, Gen. 32: 9-12. 
Asa, 2 Chron. 14: 11. Jehoshaphat, 2 Chron. 20: 25, 
26. Kezekiah, Isa, 37: 14-20. Elias, James 5 : 17,18. 
Believing prayer for spiritual blessings. — Solomon, 1 
Kings 3: 5-14. Elijah, 2 Kings 2: 9. Jacob, Gen. 32: 
26. Jesus, Matt. 26: 36-44. Cornelius, Acts, 10: 1-4. 
Penitential prayer for the forgiveness of sins. — The Pabli- 
can,Luke 18: 9-14. Saul, Acts 9: 5,6,11. The lost son, 
Luke 15: 18, 19. The thief on the cross, Luke 23: 42. 
Zaccheus, Luke 19: 8. Ezra, Ez. chap. 9. jS'ehemiah, 
Neh. 1:4-11. David, 2 Sam. 24: 10, 17. Ps. 25, and the 
seven penitential Psalms. Intercessory prayer. — Abra- 
ham, Gen. 18: 27-34. Moses, Exod. 17: 11. Elijah, 
1 Kings 17: 19-22. Elias, 2 Kings 4: 32-37. Jere- 
miah. Jer. 14: 7-9. Daniel, Dam 9: 3-19. Jesus, 
John 17: 9-24. Luke 23: 34. Stephen, Acts 7: 59. 

XIII. PRA.YER OF PRAISE. 

Exod. 34: 6,7. The Psalms, 104, 8, 19, 95, 96 5 97, 
22 



262 



APPENDIX. 



98,99,100. Ps. 105:1-6. Ps. 33; 145; 146; 147; 148; 
149; 150. Isa. 12. 

Examples.— Mary, Luke 1 : 46-55. Zacharias, Luke 
1: 68-79. Simeon, Luke 2: 28-32. Paul and Silas, 
Acts 16: 25. Moses, Deut. 32: 1-15. David, 1 Chron. 
30: 9-19. Solomon, 1 Kings 8: 23, 24. 

XIV. HUMILITY. 

Luke 18: 14; 17: 10. 1 Pet. 5:5. 1 Cor. 15: 10; 
4: 7. Phil. 2: 3; 3: 12-14. Eom. 11: 20; 12: 3, 16. 
1 Cor. 10: 12. John 3: 30. Ps 115: 1. Gen. 32: 10. 
Ps. 18: 56; 118: 21. Ps. 119: 67, 71, 75. Prov. 28: 14. 

Examples. — Abraham, Gen. 18: 27. Jacob, Gen. 32: 
10. Joseph, Gen. 40: 8; 41: 16: 50: 19. 2 Sam. 6: 
21, 22. 2 Sam. 7: 18; 22: 36 Solomon, 1 Kings 3: 
7-9. Daniel, Dan. 2: 27-30. Mary, Luke 1: 46-52. 
John the Baptist, John 1: 26, 27; 3: 28-31. Peter, 
Luke 5: 8. Acts 3: 11-13. The Centurion, Matt. 8: 8. 
The woman of Canaan, Matt. 15: 27. Jesus, Matt. 11: 
29. John 13: 2-15. Paul and Barnabas, Acts 14: 14, 
15. Paul, 1 Tim. 12-15. 1 Cor. 15: 9, 10. 

XV. THE NECESSITY OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE, AND OF 
SUFFERING, FOR OUR SANCT1FICATI0N. 

Heb. 12: 1, 2. 1 Tim. 6: 12. 2 Tim. 2: 3-12: 3: 12. 
Acts 10: 28. Luke 6: 26. 1 Pet. 5 : 8, 9; 2: 21. 1 Cor. 
9: 25-27. Phil. 1: 29, 30. Heb 12: 3-14; 10: 35, 36. 
Luke 24: 26. Bom. 5: 3-5. 2 Cor. 4: 16-18. James 
1: 2-4, 12. Rev. 3: 19, 20. Pvom. 2: 17, 18, 28, 35, 37. 
1 Pet. 5: 6, 7,10; 4: 1, 2, 12-14; 1 : 6-9. 2 Cor. 1: 5. 
Job 5: 17-19. Ps. 119: 71; 126: 5,6 Prov. 3: 12. 
Isa 25 : 8 



APPENDIX, 



263 



Examples.— Abraham, Gen 12, 22 (Heb 11: S-10 
16-21). Jacob, Gen 27; 33; 35. Joseph, Gen. 37, chaps. 
39-45; 50: 15-26 (comp. Ps. 105: 17-19) Closes, 
Exod 2-18, chaps 32, 34 Num 13: 14; 20; 21. Beat. 
32; 33 (Heb. 11: 23-28). David, 1 Sam. 16: 26. 2 Sam. 
11; 12; 15; 16; 17, 18; 19; 22; 23; 24. Hezekiah, 2 
Kings chaps. 1-20 (Isa. 36-39). Manasseh. 2 Chron. 
33: 1-17. Daniel, Dan. 1: 2, 5, 6. The Nobleman, 
John 4: 47-53. 

XVI. TRUST IX THE LOED. PATIEXCE AND SUBMISSION 

IN SUFFERING. 

Rom. 12: 12 James 5: 13. 1 Pet. 5: 6, 7. Eph. 3: 
20. Eom. 8: 26, 28. Heb. 12: 1, 2; 10: 35, 36. Matt. 
6: 31-33; 10: 29-31. Rev. 3: 19, 20. 1 Cor. 10: 13. 
2 Cor. 12: 9, 20. Phil. 4: 6. Heb. 11: 34. Ps. 37: 
5; 42: 12; 68:20,21. Ps. 23. Isa. 49: 29; 31; 42:3; 
43:1-3; 41:10. Mai. 3: 16, 17. Ps. 112:4; 28: 7; 
27:1. Isa. 49: 15, 16; 54: 7-10. Ps. 31:8; 62: 2; 3: 
6-9. Ps. 91: 1,2; 121: 1, 2. 

Examples of trust. — Moses, Exod. 14: 13,14. Joshua, 
Num. 14: 6-9. David, 1 Sam. 17: 37, 45-47. Daniel's 
friends, Dan. 3: 16-18, 28. Dan. 6: 10, 22. Heb. 11: 
33. Elijah, 1 Kings 17: 5, 10. Elias, 2 Kings 6: 16. 
Jeremiah, Lam. 3: 22, 23. Mary, Luke 1: 38, 45. 
Jesus, Matt. 27: 43 (Heb. 2: 13). 

Examples of patience and submission. — ^N~oah, Gen. 8: 
6-18. Aaron, Lev/10: 1-3. Eli, 1 Sam. 3-18. David, 
2 Sam. 15: 26. Ps. 42: 12; 46; 91. Job, Job 1; 2. 
James 5: 11. Jesus, Matt. 26: 38-45. 1 Pet. 2: 21-23. 
Isa. 53: 7. Paul and Silas, Acts 16: 25. 



264 



APPENDIX. 



XVII. THE BELIEVER'S LIFE IN GOD, AND BLESSEDNESS 
IN" THIS LIFE. 

1 Cor. 6: 19; 3: 22, 23. John 14: 21-23. Luke 17: 
21. Bom. 14: 17, 18. 1 John 5: 4, 5, 2 Pet. 1:4. 
Eph. 3: 16; 17: 27. Col. 1: 3. Hez. 2: 19, 20. 
1 Pet. 2: 9. Matt. 11: 28. Eora. 8: 39. John 17: 26. 
Phil. 4: 4, 6, 7, 13. 1 John 3: 6, 9. Matt. 5: 8. 

Examples.— Paul, Gal. 2: 20. Phil. 4: 11-13, 18. 
Phil. 1: 19-21; 3:7; 14:20. 2 Cor. 6: 10; 3:18; 4: 
7-11; 16. 1 Tim. 1: 15, 16. 2 Tim, 4: 6-8,18. Mary, 
the mother of Jesus, Luke 1: 38, 46-55; 2: 19, 50, 51. 
John 2:5; 19: 26, 27. Luke 2: 35. Acts 1: 14. Mary, 
the sister of Lazarus, Luke 10: 39-42. Asaph, Ps. 73: 
1, 23-28. 

XVIII. DEATH, JUDGMENT, ETERNITY. 

Transit oriness of the earthly life — 1 Chron. 30: 15. 
Ps 39; 90; 103:15, 16. Heb. 11: 13. Job 14:1,2. 
Isa 40: 6, 7. Eccl. 12: 7. 

Desire of believers to depart this life. — Paul, Phil. 1: 
21-23. 2 Cor. 5: 8. Peter, 2 Pet. 1: 14. Solomon, 
Eccl, 7: 2. The fathers, Heb. 11: 13-16. Simeon, Luke 
2: 28, 29. Eev. 22: 20. 

Judgment— Heb. 9: 27. Eccl. 12: 7. Gal. 6: 7,8. 
John 5: 28, 29. 2 Cor. 5: 10. 1 Cor. 4: 5. Acts 17: 
31. Matt. 25 : 31-46. Eev. 20: 11-13. 

Eternal salvation of believers, and resurrection with a 
glorified body.— John 5: 24; 6:40; 10:27,28; 11:25,26; 
14:2,3; 17:24. Heb. 4:14,15. Jobl9:25,26. Phil. 
3: 21. 1 Cor. 15: 42-44. 2 Cor. 5: 1. Eev. 14: 13; 
21: 3, 4; 7: 9-17. Heb. 12: 22-24. 2 Tim. 4: 7, 8. 



APPENDIX. 



265 



Luke 23: 43. 1 Pet. 1: 3-9. 1 Cor. 15: 55-57. Eom. 
5: 18-21; 6:8; 8:11,18. 1 John 3: 1-3. Luke 10: 
36. Matt. 25:21. Tsa. 25:10. Dan. 12: 2. 3. Ps. 
126: 1-3, 5, 6. 

Eternal condemnation of unbelievers. — John 3: 18, 36. 
Mark 9: 43-48. Matt. 25: 41-46; 7: 21-23. Luke 13: 
24-27; 16: 19-31. 2 Them 1: 7-9. Kev. 21: 8; 
22: 15. 

XIX. TEXTS SUITABLE FOR FUNERAL DISCOURSES. 

Luke 7: 13. — Weep not. 

2 Cor. 4: 17, 18. — Our light afflictions — eternal glory. 
Acts 2: 39. — The promise is unto you and your chil- 
dren. 

Eom. 8: 18. — The sufferings of the present time — the 

glory that shall be revealed. 
Gen, 37 : 35 — I will go down into the grave to my son. 
John 14: 19 — Because I live ye shall live also. 
Gen 42: 36. — Joseph is not. 
Matt. 5 : 4 — Blessed are they that mourn. 

1 Sam. 1: 28. — I have lent him to the Lord. 

Acts 14: 22. — "We must enter the kingdom through 
many tribulations. 

2 Sam. 12: 15-23. — David's fasting for his child. 
Ps. 27: 10.— The Lord will take me up. 

Ps. 103: 15, 16, — Like grass — like a flower. 
Ps, 127: 5.— Children a gift of God. 
Jer. 31 : 15, 16 — Eachel will not be comforted. 
Prov. 14: 32. — The righteous hath hope in his death. 
Matt. 19: 25, 26 — Who then can be saved? 
Heb 13: 14. — We have here no abiding city. 
Mark 13: 35-37.— I say unto all: Watch. 
Eccl. 7: 2. — The day of death better than the day of 
birth. 



266 



APPENDIX. 



Luke 7 : 11-17. — The son of the widow of Nain. 
Isa. 38: 1. — Set thine house in order, for thou shalt 
die. 

Luke 10: 20 — Your names written in heaven. 
Eccl. 12: 7. — Dust to the earth — the spirit to God. 
Luke 12: 37. — Blessed the servants whom the Lord 
finds watching. 

1 Pet. 1: 24, 25. — All flesh is as grass. 

Luke 12: 48. — Unto whom much is given. &o. 
Ps. 31 : 6. —Into thy hands I commit my spirit. 
Luke 13: 4, 5. — Those on whom the tower of Siloam 
fell. 

John 19: 30. — It is finished. 

Luke 16: 20-22. — Lazarus in Abraham's bosom. 

2 Tim. 4: 7, 8. — I have fought a good fight. 

Isa. 55: 8, 9. — God's thoughts not like our thoughts. 
Luke 20: 37, 38.— God not a God of the dead. 
John 5: 20, 21. — The Son maketh alive. 
John 6: 39, 40.— The will of the Father that I lose 
none. 

Heb. 4: 9-11. — There remaineth yet a rest. 

2 Cor. 5: 1. — The earthly house — the heavenly. 

Eph. 2 : 14-22. — For he is our peace. 

John 9: 4. — The night wherein no one can work. 

John 10: 27-30. — My sbeep hear my voice. 

John 11: 11. — Lazarus sleeps. 

John 11 : 35. — Jesus wept. 

John 12: 32. — I will draw them all nnto myself. 
Ps. 116: 15. — Precious the death of saints. 
1 Cor. 15: 55-58. — The triumphal song of Paul. 
Matt. 9: 24. — She is not dead-— she sleepetb. 
Matt. 10: 28.— Fear not them which kill the body. 
Matt. 10 : 32, 33. — Whoso confesseth me before men. 
Matt. 13: 43. — The just shall shine as the sun. 
Matt. 25: 21.— Thou faithful servant. 



APPENDIX. 



267 



Matt. 25: 54. — Come, inherit the kingdom. 
Gen. 47: 9. — Few and evil have been the years of my 
life. 

John 17: 24. — They shall be with me. 
Ps. 126: 5. — Sowing in tears and reapiDg in joy. 
Eom. 8: 28. — All things work together for good. 
Phil. 4: 19. — God shall supply all needs. 
John 14: 1-4. — Many mansions in my Fathers house. 
John 14; 4-6. — You know the way. 
Eev. 14: 12, 13. — Blessed are the dead. 
Deut. 32: 31. — Our rock is not as their rock. 
John 14: 1 2. — Let not your heart be troubled. 
1 Cor. 15: 42, 43. — The great change in the resurrec- 
tion. 

1 Cor. 15: 20-23.— Christ risen and the first fruits. 
Gen. 25: 8.— The death of Abraham. 

Matt. 28: 18. — Unto me is given all power. 
John 16: 20. — Your sorrow changed into joy. 
Eom. 2: 6-10. — Unto each one according to his works. 
Eom, 2: 1 — God no respecter of persons. 
Rom. 6: 8-11. — To die and live with Christ. 
Eom. 8: 18. — Sufferings not to be compared with the 
glory. 

Eom. 8: 38, 39. — Neither'deatli nor life can separate us. 
Eom. 12: 15. — Weep with those that weep. 

2 Tim. 2: 5. — No crown unless we strive. 

Job 19: 5-27. — I know that my Eedeemer liveth. 

Ps. 39: 12. — I am a stranger and sojourner. 

Job 1: 21 — The Lord gave and hath taken away. 

1 Chron. 29: 15 — We are strangers and sojourners. 

2 Sam. 1: 23. — Saul and Jonathan not separated. 
James 4: 10. — Humble yourselves before God. 
Eev. 1 : 8 — I am Alpha and Omega. 

Eev 20; 12 — The books shall be opened. 
Eev. 21 : 4. — God will wipe away all tears. 



268 



APPENDIX. 



Gen. 3: 19. — Dust thou art, to dust shalt thou return. 
Num. 23: 10.— The death of the just. 

1 Kings 2: 2. — I go the way of all the earth. 
Job. 5; 26. — In old age to the grave like sheaves. 

Ps. 8: 5. — What is man that thou art mindful of him. 

Ps. 23: 1-4. — The Lord is my shepherd. 

Ps. 145: 17. — The Lord is just in all his ways. 

Prov. 27 : 1. — Boast not thyself of to-morrow. 

Prov. 12: 1. — Bemember thy Creator in the days of 

thy youth. 
Isa. 40 : 6-8. — -All flesh is as grass. 
Isa. 41 : 10. — Fear not, I am with thee, 
John 11: 25.— Whosoever believeth in me shall live. 
James 4: 14. — What is your life? A vapor. 
Phil. 4: 4, 5.— The Lord is at hand. 
Heb. 11: 4. — He being dead, yet speaketh. 
John 4: 50.— Thy son liveth. 
Job 8; 9. — We are but of yesterday. 
Phil. 1 : 21.— To die is gain. 
Rev. 21: 4. — God will wipe away all tears. 
Isa. 64 : 6.— We all do fade as a leaf. 
Job 14: 14. — If a man die, shall he live again? 
Ps. 23: 4. — Though I v*alk through the valley of the 

shadow of death. 

2 Kings 4: 26.— It is well with the child. 
1 Cor. 7: 29-31.— The time is short. 

1 Cor. 13: 12. — Now I know in part. 

1 Cor. 15: 31.— I die daily. 

2 Cor. 4: 18. — What is visible is temporal. 
2 Cor. 6: 1, 2. — Now is the accepted time. 

Gal. 6: 7, 8. — What a man soweth he shall reap. 

1 Thess. 4: 17. — Be always with the Lord. 

1 Tim. 6: 7-9. — We brought nothing into the world. 

1 Tim. 6: 12.— Fight the good fight. 

2 Tim. 2: 11-13. — If we die with him, we shall live 
with him. 



APPENDIX. 



269 



1 John 2: 17. — The world passeth away. 
1 John 2: 25. — The promise — eternal life. 
1 John 3: 2, 3 — It doth not yet appear what we shall 
be. 

Ps. 31: 15. — My times are in thy hand. 

Gen. 49: 33.— The death of Jacob. 

John 11: 23. 24. — Thy brother shall rise again. 

John 11; 25. — I am the resurrection and the life. 

Job 14. 1. — Man is of few days and full of trouble. 

1 Sam. 3 : 18. — It is the Lord : let him do what seem- 
eth him good. 

2 Tim. 1 : 12. — I know in whom I believe. 
Ps. 90 : 12. — So teach us to number our days. 
Ps. 31 : 5. — Into thine hand I commit my spirit. 
Job 7: 16. — I would not live alway. 

1 Sam. 20: 3. — There is but a step between me and 
death. 

Ps. 90: 10. — The days of our years are threescore. 
Ps. 46: 1. — G-od our refuge and strength. 
Matt. 25: 21 — Well done, good and faithful servant. 
Jer. 22: 10.— Weep not for the dead. 

XX. TEXTS SUITABLE EOR MISSIONARY DISCOURSES AND 
ADDRESSES. 

Matt. 4: 16. — The people that sat in darkness. 

Matt. 8: 11, 12. — Many shall come from the east and 
from the west. 

Matt, 9: 37, 38.— The harvest is great. 

Matt. 13; 31, 32 — The kingdom of heaven like a mus- 
tard seed. 

Matt, 24: 14. — The gospel for a witness to all nations. 
Matt, 28: 18-20 — Go and teach all nations. 
Mark 16: 15. 16. — Preach the gospel to every creature. 
Luke 12: 49. — I am come to set on fire the earth. 



270 



APPENDIX. 



Luke 14: 23, 24. — There yet is room — go into the high- 
ways. 

John 4: 35-38. — The field white unto the harvest. 

John 12: 21. — We would see Jesus. 

John 12: 32. — I will draw all men unto me. 

Acts 1: 6-8. — Ye shall be witnesses unto the uttermost 
paris of the earth. 

Acts 2: 39. — The promise is to all that are afar off. 

Acts 4: 12. — Neither is there salvation in any other. 

Acts 4: 20. — We can not but speak. 

Acts 11: 18. — God hath granted to the Gentiles also re- 
pentance unto life. 

Acts 13: 1-3. — Separate unto me Barnabas and Saul. 

Acts 13: 48,^49. — And the Gentiles were glad. 

Acts 16: 6-10. — Come over and help us. 

Acts 17: 23. — The altar: To the unknown God. 

Eom. 1: 14. — I am debtor both to the Greeks and bar- 
barians. 

Eom. 3: 29. — Is he not God also of the Gentiles? 
Bom. 4: 17. — Abraham, the father of many nations. 
Eom. 10: 13-15. — How shall they believe — not hear? 
Eom. 11; 25-29.— Until the fullness of the Gentiles 
come in. 

1 Cor. 1: 18. — The preaching of the cross. 

1 Cor. 16: 9. — A great door is opened unto me. 

2 Cor. 5: 20. — Ambassadors for Christ. 

Gal. 3: 8. — In thee shall all nations be bless d. 

Phil. 2: 9-11. — Therefore God bath exalted bim. 

Col. 1: 27-29. — The riches of the glory of this mystery 

among the Gentiles. 
2 Thess. 3:1, 2. — That the word may have free course. 
1 Tim. 2: 6, 4. — Who will have all men to be saved. 



See alro, 2 Tim. 2: 9. 1 Pet, 2: 9. 1 John 2: 2. 1 
John 3: 8. 1 John 3: 17. Bev. 3:8,9. Eev. 7:9, 10. 



APPENDIX. 



271 



Rev. 11: 15. Rev. 14: 6. 7. Rev. 15 : 3 4. Rev. 22: 
17. G-en. 1:27. Gen. S: 21. 22 Gen. 12: 3. Exod. 
15:18. Num. 14:21. 1 Kings 8 : 43. Ps. 8:2, 3. 
Ps. 22: 27-32. Ps. 24: 7-10. Ps. 48: 11. Ps. 79:10. 
Ps. 86:8-10. Ps. 97:1. Ps. 98:3. Isa. 21: 11 Isa, 
24:16. Isa. 40:3-5. Isa. 40: 9-11. Isa. 45: 22. Isa. 
49: 6. Isa. 52: 7. Isa. 53: 12 Isa. 55: 10. 11. Isa. 
60: 1-7. Jer. 16: 19. Mai. 1: 11. Mark 12: 41-44. 
Luke 5: 5. Luke 17: 20, 21. 



XXI. TEXTS SUITABLE FOR THE PREPARATORY SERVICE. 

1 John 2: 15, 16. — Love not the world. 
Luke 15: 2. — This man receiveth sinners. 
Ps. 19: 12. — TTho can understand his errors? 
Matt. 16: 24. — Take up your cross and follow him. 
John 9: 35. — Dost thou beiieve on the Son of God? 
Matt. 8: 25. — Lord, save us; we perish. 
Dan. 10: 19. — Fear not: peace be unto thee. 
Isa. 5: 1-6. — The unfruitful vineyard. 
Ps.51 : 10. 11, — Create in me a clean heart. 
£zek. 18: 30, 31. — Cast away from you all your trans- 
gressions. 

Ps. 51: 17. — The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. 
Ps. 95:7, 8. — To-day . . harden not your heart. 
Ps. 6: 2. — Have mercy upon me, O Lord: for I am 
weak. 

John 13: 1. — He loved them unto the end. 
Ps. 25: 1. — TTnto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. 
Hosea 14: 9. — The ways of the Lord are right. 
1 Cor. 11: 28. 29. — Let a man examiue himself. 
Ps. 51: 6.7. — BcliO d, thou de-irest truth in theinward 
parts. 

Matt. 3: 2. — Eepent ye, for the kingdom of htaven is 
at hand. 



272 



APPENDIX. 



Matt. 5 : 6. — Blessed, who hunger and thirst after right- 
eousness. 

Matt. 11 : 28, 29. — Take my yoke upon you. 
Matt. 24: 12.— The love of many shall wax cold. 
Luke 1 : 46, 47. — My soul doth magnify the Lord. 
Luke 10: 42. — Mary hath chosen the good part. 
Luke 18: 13. — God be merciful to me a sinner. 
Rom. 3: 23. — For all have sinned and come short. 
2 Cor. 13: 5. — Examine yourselves whether ye be in 
the faith. 

1 John 3: 19-21. — We love him because he first loved 
us. 

Matt. 5: 4. — Blessed are they that mourn. 
Matt. 6 : 24. — 'No one can serve two masters. 
Matt. 28: 20. — Teaching them to observe Jill things. 
Phil. 2: 5. — Let the same mind be in you which was in 
Christ Jesus. 

See also, Rev. 3: 19. Bev. 3: 20. Dan. 9: 5. Bom. 
2:1-11. Luke 13 : 1-9. Bom. 2:4-11. Jer. 17 : 9, 10. 
1 John 1 : 8, 9. Gal. 3: 23-29. Jer. 14: 7-9. Matt. 1 : 
21. Matt. 6: 12. Matt. 9: 12, 13. Luke 13: 23, 24. 
John 13: 34, 35. Acts 17: 30, 31. Bom. 10: 4. Bom. 
12:1, 2. Col. 1 : 9-14. 1 John 1 : 8, 9. 1 John 5 : 1-3. 
Heb. 13: 25. Matt, 5:3. Matt. 5: 17. Matt. 10: 32, 
33. Matt. 26 : 41. Mark 2 : 7. Luke 7 : 47. Luke 11 : 
23. Acts 10 : 43. Acts 13 : 38, 39. Bom. 1 : 18. Bom. 
3:20. Bom. 13:10. 1 Cor. 3: 11. 2Cor.5:10. Gal. 
5:6. Eph. 4:22-24. Phil. 2: 12. 1 Thess. 5: 6. 1 
John 2: 1, 2. Heb. 11: 6. James 4: 10. Bev. 3: 15-18. 
Bev. 3:20. Gen. 32: 36. Gen. 41: 9. 1 Sam. 16: 7. 
1 Kings 18: 21. Isa.40:l, 2. Isa. 45:22. Jer. 17: 14. 
Hez. 36: 26, 27. 



APPENDIX. 



273 



XXII. TEXTS SUITABLE FOR COMMUNION DISCOURSES. 

1 Cor. 10: 1-1— 22, — The cup which we bless — the bread 

which we break. 
1 Cor. 5: 7.— Christ our passover ia sacrificed for us. 
Luke 14: 17. — -Come, for all things are now ready. 
Bom. 6: 24. — It is God that justifieth. 
John 1 ■ 29.— Behold the Lamb of God. 
John 15: 3-5 — Abide in rne and I in you. 
Heb. 4: 27. — Christ our High Priest offered up himself. 
John 15: 9. — As the Father hath loved me, so have I 

loved you. 
John 1 : 14 — The Word was made flesh. 
1 Tim. 2: 5. — One God and one Mediator. 
John 6: 67. — He that eateth me shall live by me. 
John 3 : 14 — So must the Son of Man be lifted up. 
John 6: 51. — Christ the liviog bread. 
Gal. 2: 20. — Christ liveth in me. 

Heb. 10; 10. — We are sanctified through the offering 

of the body of Jesus Christ. 
1 Pet. 3: IS. — Christ hath once suffered for our sins. 
John -1: 42. — This is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of 

the world. 
John 10: 9.— I am the door. 

John 6 : 54. — Whoso eateth my flesh hath eternal life. 

See also. 2 Cor. 4: 7. James -4: S. Eom. 5: 8. Eom. 
8:32. 1 Cor. 1:30. 1 Cor. 11:26. 2 Cor. 5: 19, 20. 
Eph. 1: 3-7. 1 Tim. 1: 15. Matt. 26: 20-25. 1 Pet. 
2:21. Heb. 12: 2. Eom. 5:6. Eph, 5 : 2. Isa. 53: 
3-5. Heb. 2:9. John 17: 3. Gal. 4:4,5. Col. 1 : 15. 
Isa. 9:6. Mai. 4: 2. John 10: 11. Acts4:12. Matt. 
20 : 28. Eph. 2 : 13. Eph. 5 : 2. Heb. 9 : 12-14. Heb. 
10: 19 ; 20. 1 Pet. 1: 18,19. Eph. 2: 13-19. 



274 



APPENDIX. 



XXIII. TEXTS FOR CONFIRMATION DISCOURSES. 

Phil. 3: 12-14. — Not as though I had already attained. 
John 3: 11. — We speak that we do know. 
John 10: 22-30. — My sheep hear my voice. 
2 Pet. 3: 18. — Grow in grace and in knowledge. 
Ps. 73: 24. — Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel. 
Pom. 10: 10. — With the mouth confession is made unto 
salvation. 

Prov. 23 : 26. — My son, give me thine heart. 
John 15 : 1-9. — Continue ye in my love. 
John 17 : 3.- — This is eternal life, that they know thee, 
&c. 

Heb. 10: 23. — Let us hold fast the profession of our 
faith. 

Matt. 5 : 6. — Blessed, who hunger and thirst after right- 
eousness. 

Matt. 5: 8. — Blessed are the pure in heart. 

Matt. 5: IK. — Let your light shine. 

Matt. 6: 33.-— Seek first the kingdom of God. 

Matt. 19: 30. — Many called, but few chosen. 

Matt. 26: 41. — Watch and pray. 

Luke 10: 42. — One thing is needful. 

John 6: 68, 69. — Lord, to whom shall we go? 

John 14: 6. — The way, the truth, and the life. 

John 15: 4. — Abide in me. 

John 15 : 5. — I am the vine . .. . ye the branches. 
Eom. 1: 16. — Not ashamed of the gospel. 

See also, 2 Tim. 1:7. 2 Tim. 3: 15-17. Matt. 7: 
15-23. Job 27 : 5. Ps. 1 : 1, 2. Ps. 23 : 1. ' Ps. 37 : 5. 
Ps. 51:19. Ps. 84:5. Ps. 84: 12. Ps. 119: 9. Ps. 
119:11. Isa. 40: 31. Isa. 41:10. Isa. 55:6. Isa. 
60: 1. Jer. 32: 40. Lam. 3: 24. Zach. 1: 3. 



APPENDIX. 



275 



Matt. 3:10. Matt. 4:4. Matt. 6 : 20. Matt. 6:24. Matt, 
7: 13, 14. Matt. 7: 21. Matt. 10: 32. Matt. 16: 24. 
Matt. 16: 26. Matt. 24: 4. Matt. 24: 13. Luke 2: 
19. Luke 9; 62. Luke 11 : 28. Luke 19: 10. John 
1: 12. John 5: 24. John 8: 12. John 8: 31, 32. 
John 12 : 26. John 13 : 17. Acts 4 : 12. Acts 20 : 32. 
Eom. 8 : 14. Koin. 11 : 22. 1 Cor. 1:9. 1 Cor. 1 : 30. 

1 Cor. 3:11. 1 Cor. 3:16. 1 Cor. 15:58. Gal. 5:16. 
Gal. 5:24 Eph. 4: 22. Col. 2: 7. 1 Tim. 6: 12. 2 
Tim. 2: 8. 

XXIV. TEXTS FOR HAH VEST AND THANKSGIVING 
FESTIVALS. 

Luke 13: 6-9.— The parable of the tig tree. 

Luke 12: 16-21. — The parable of the rich man. 

Ps. 34: 8. — O taste and see that the Lord is good. 

Ps. 119: 64.— The earth is full of thy mercy. 

Matt. 4: 4. — Man shall not live by bread alone. 

Ps. 104: 27. 28.-— Thou openest thy hand. 

Rev. 14: 14-16. — Thrust in thy sickle and reap. 

G-al. 6: 7, 8. — Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he 

also reap. 
Ps. 145 : 9. — The Lord is good to all. 
Hosea 10 : 12.— Sow in righteousness reap in mercy. 
Matt. 6 ; 26-33. The fowls of the air neither sow nor 

reap. 

2 Cor. 9: 6. — He who soweth sparingly shall reap 
sparingly. 

Ps. 145: 15, 16. — The eyes of all wait upon thee. 
Lam. 3: 22.23. — It is of the Lord's mercies that we 

are not consumed. 
Ps. 92:1.2. — It is a good thing to give thanks unto 

the Lord. 



276 



APPENDIX. 



See also, John 4: 31-38. Ezek. 3: 22-24. Mark 8: 
1-9. Exod. 33: 18, 19. Exod. 34: 6, 7. Ps. 65: 8-11. 
Ps. 33 : 5. Ps. 68 : 19. Ps. 31 : 19. Ps. 103 : 1-4. Jns. 
1: 17. Ps. 116: 12-19. Neh. 8:8-18. 2 Sam. 22: 
1-50. 1 Chron. 16: 28-31. Ps. 107: 8, 9. Matt. 13; 
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